The Depressing Facts
You most likely know
and/or work with someone who is depressed right now, has recently recovered
or is likely to become depressed.
A recent study
revealed that more than 10% of the people in the
US
over the age of 6 suffer from some form of depression each year. That is
double from a decade ago. If 19 million people in the US are being treated
it is staggering to imagine how many tens of millions of people in the world
are undiagnosed or untreated at this very moment! The depression rate in
developed countries is estimated at 15%.
Eighty percent of
depressed people do not seek treatment due in part to the fact that more
than half think that depression is a sign of weakness.
Being aware of
depression and its symptoms can enable you to help yourself and others when
they need help. Depression is treatable.
The Impact of Depression
We are surrounded by
depression. According to Australian Government statistics you will be
affected by either your or someone else’s depression at some time in your
life.
Depression is a
leading cause of problems at work and at home. The economic impact of lost
time and decreased job effectiveness is estimated to be about 50 billion
dollars per year. It is the leading cause of disability in the US for ages
15 – 44 and the top cause of disability worldwide for people over age 5. It
is a leading cause of suicide and is estimated to become second only to
heart disease by mid-century.
Depression must not be
ignored.
What is depression?
Depression is an
insidious disease that can sneak up on people. Emotional experiences of
sadness, grief, response to loss, and temporary “blue” moods are normal.
Persistent depression (clinical depression) that interferes significantly
with ability to function is not. Clinical depression is not just grief or
feeling sad. It is an illness that can challenge your ability to perform
even routine daily activities. Here is a checklist of symptoms. From the
National Institute of Mental Health:
Ask yourself if you feel:
-
nervous
-
empty
-
worthless
-
that you don’t enjoy
things you used to
-
restless
-
irritable
-
unloved
-
that life isn’t
worth living
Ask yourself if you are:
-
sleeping more or
less than usual
-
eating more or less
than usual
These may be symptoms of depression, a treatable illness. Talk to your
doctor.
Other symptoms that
may signal depression, but may also be signs of other serious illnesses,
should be checked by a doctor, whatever the cause. They include:
-
being very tired and
sluggish
-
frequent headaches
-
frequent
stomachaches
-
chronic pain
For more on the topic of depression and how it affects us and our
relationships please visit:
http://www.positive-way.com/depression.htm |
