What is Clinical Depression?

Clinical Depression is different from moodiness or a bad mood. It is a medical condition that is still misunderstood by many in the general public, except to those that suffer from it. This perception and misunderstanding compounds the problem for people suffering from depression. The individual experiencing depression feels overwhelming guilt because of the people they affect around them.

Clinical Depression is very simple to understand once the facts are laid out. Of course I am writing from my own research and personal experience for suffering for many years. There are a few types of depression that people deal with.

Major Depression, also known as major depressive disorder or uni-polar depression. The symptoms or characteristics of this type is as follows.

  • Sadness and Emptiness
  • Lose interest in general daily activities or interests.
  • Sleeplessness or insomnia
  • Weight fluctuations
  • Easily agitated
  • Tiredness or lethargy
  • Guilt or a sense of worthlessness
  • Lacking in focus
  • Thoughts of suicide

These are just a few I am sure there are more. I and other people I know have experienced all of the above.

Bipolar Disorder, at this level a person will alternate between depression and mania.

Symptoms:

  • Increased Energy
  • Insomnia
  • Irritability
  • Rapid Speech
  • Hyper-sexual Behavior
  • Racing Thoughts
  • Grandiose Ideas
  • Greatly Increased Activity
  • Impulsive Behaviors
  • Poor Judgement

Again as before there are more characteristics and I am sure I could list 20 more.

Causes of Clinical Depression are sometimes vague, misunderstood to the general public and in some cases researchers change their opinion or theories. Treatments will often change because of constant research. This is a growing “epidemic”.

The general consensus of research indicates that clinical depression is inherited. The process of neurotransmitters being produced is in simple terms “broken” this imbalance in the body is passed down generational. Environmental factors will trigger depression in these individuals with this imbalance.

Treatment Clinical Depression– Medicine like antidepressants are a general treatment for the diagnosis. It is a quick fix for short term to get the patient in a calmer state of mind. Therapy is introduced in most cases using the drugs as assistance. (Paxil, Lexapro, Zoloft, Celexa and Prozac).

Psychotherapy with the medication is very successful in the majority of cases Clinical Depression. Group or Individual therapies are used to open the lanes of communicating the feelings and emotions of the patient.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is a popular form of psychotherapy to root out and solve the causes of several mental disorders. The focus of this type of treatment is to change the mindset of unhelpful thinking and behavior.

In the end there is so much more discussion about this affliction. I wanted to share the highlights of what someone you might know is suffering so that you might understand a little better. If you or a loved one is suffering from this it is not the fault of the person or individual. In the majority of the cases it is an imbalance of chemicals in the brain. Although it is something they cannot control being supportive and understanding does help and make a difference. Loving them and expressing to them you have researched and understand what they are feeling is beneficial to people suffering from clinical depression.

My first instict to anyone I speak with that suffers is to “behappy!” I know what they are going through. I feel their pain. I hurt and suffer with them. I am happy around them. I hug the and love them letting them know I understand but I will not give into them even though I know it is a medical condition they cannot control. I will show them joy and usually more often that not they are receptive to my love. I hope this helps. I Love All of You! Please. If you have a choice. Choose to be Happy. It is worth the fight and the Work.