Clinical depression is more than life’s ups and downs. It is normal to feel sad when a loved one dies, or when you are sick, going through a divorce, or having financial problems. But for some people the sadness does not go away, or keeps coming back. If your blues last more than a few weeks or cause a great effort to perform daily life activities, you may be suffering from clinical depression.
Clinical depression is not a personal weakness, it is a common, yet serious, medical illness. Clinical depression is an illness that affects your mood, thoughts, body and behavior. Without treatment, symptoms can last for weeks, months or years. Appropriate treatment can help most people who have clinical depression.
Clinical depression can affect anyone; regardless of race, gender, age, creed or income. Every year more than 19 million Americans experience some type of depressive illness. Researchers find that African Americans in are particularly at risk for mental illness. Depression deprives people of the enjoyment found in daily life and can even lead to death. Depression is not a normal part of life for any African American, regardless of age or life situation. Depression has often been misdiagnosed in the African American community.
The myths and stigma that about depression creates confusion, and can keep people from getting proper treatment. The earlier treatment begins; the more effective it can be.
Many factors can contribute to clinical depression, including: negative thinking patterns; biological and genetic factors; other medications; other illnesses; and situational issues. Some people have a number of these features seem to, while others have a single factor that can cause the illness.
Some people become depressed for no apparent reason. Depression is dangerous, some people attempt to cope with their negative feelings with self-medication through the abuse of alcohol or illegal drugs, and this only leads to more problems.
Clinical depression can be treated: like other illnesses such as heart disease or diabetes, clinical depression is treatable with the help of a doctor. Over 80 percent of people with depression can be treated successfully and achieve full recovery.
Because of cultural differences, depression symptoms may show up differently among African Americans. If you or someone know needs help for depression the following list of symptoms may be beneficial. If you experience any of these symptoms for longer than two weeks, if you feel suicidal, or if the symptoms interfere with your daily routine, see your doctor.
A persistent sad, anxious feeling, or excessive crying; reduced appetite and weight loss or increased appetite and weight gain; persistent physical symptoms that do not respond to treatment, such as headaches, digestive disorders and chronic pain; irritability, restlessness; decreased energy, fatigue; feelings of guilt, worthlessness, helplessness, hopelessness, pessimism; sleeping too much or too little, waking early in the morning and are unable to go back; loss of interest or pleasure in activities, including sex; difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions; thoughts of death or suicide, or suicide attempts.
The most common treatment for clinical depression is with antidepressant medication and\or psychotherapy. The choice of treatment depends on how severe the depressive symptoms are and the history of the illness. Research shows that the use of medication for more severe episodes of clinical depression is the most effective. Antidepressant medication acts on the chemicals of the brain related to depression. Antidepressant medications are not habit-forming. It may take up to eight weeks before you notice an improvement. It is usually recommended that medications be continued for at least four to nine months after the depressive symptoms have improved. People with chronic or recurrent depression may need to stay on medication to prevent or lessen further episodes. People taking antidepressants should be monitored by a doctor to ensure the best treatment with the fewest side effects. Do not stop taking your medication without first talking with your doctor even if you feel better.
Psychotherapy: Psychotherapy can help teach better ways of handling problems by talking with a therapist. Therapy can be effective in treating clinical depression, especially depression that is less severe.
A patient support group can be very helpful during the recovery process. Support group members share their experiences with the illness, learn coping skills. Take care of yourself. Get plenty of rest, exercise, stay away from alcohol and drugs, and eat regular, well-balanced meals.
If you don’t have insurance or can’t afford treatment, your community may have publicly-funded mental health centers or programs that charge you according to what you can afford to pay. Life can be fulfilling again! With proper diagnosis and treatment, clinical depression can be overcome. The roads that leads to recovery are in reach don’t waste your life in misery.
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