Depression Facts
Just looking at some depression facts can lead to a depressive episode. Seriously, about 18 million Americans suffer from depression, and those are just the known cases. There are many more secret sufferers of depression that cannot or will not seek help for a variety of reasons. In fact, some think that only 34 percent of depression sufferers actually seek help. How sad.
One reason many people with depression don't seek diagnosis and treatment is that there is a stigma surrounding the illness of depression. Whether you think depression is just a bad mood or a sign of some type of personal weakness, you don't know anything about depression facts.
Depression Facts #1 - Depression is real.
Depression is a disabling illness with both physical and mental symptoms. Because the signs of depression are not always obvious, it may seem like the depressive is not sick at all. But that could not be further from the truth.
Depression Facts #2 - Depression does not have a single known cause.
Research has shown that depressive disorders probably stem from a blend of biochemical, environmental, genetic and psychological factors. It is a known fact that depression is a brain disorder, in that the brain of a depressed person does not act or look the same as a non-depressed person. The differences are most prevalent in the areas of the brain responsible for appetite, behavior, mood, sleeping and thoughts.
Unfortunately, all of the scientific information available does not show why a depressive person's brain is acting abnormally. To make determining a cause even more confusing, depression can also be triggered by traumatic life events like the death of a loved one, loss of a job or similar high stress situations.
Depression Facts #3 - Depression cannot be shaken off.
Everyone gets depressed or sad every now and then, but then it goes away and you feel better again. A person with depression doesn't feel better again. Not for weeks, not for months, and sometimes not for years.
Depression Facts #4 - Depression is treatable.
A person with depression can get better, but they need help in order to do it. First, of all a depressed person must realize that they have a serious illness and ask for help. Once a diagnosis is made, treatment can begin.
Most treatments for depression involve taking an anti-depressant medication, which uses the chemicals in the brain to change the depressive feelings. Psychotherapy is another widely recommended and used treatment for depression. An outside and objective source can really help a depressed person see their way clear to a new kind of living and thinking.
Depression Facts #5 - Depression can be cured.
The road to recovery from depression can be long and not very much fun, but it is worth it when you emerge on the other side with a real smile on your face. So, if you or someone you love is suffering from depression, get the depression facts and then get the help needed for healing.