What is "Depression ?"
Depression can be define as a state of low mood and aversion to
activity that can affect a person's thoughts, behaviour, feelings and
physical well-being. There may be a loss of interest in activities that
once were pleasurable. There may be a change to appetite - a loss of
appetite or over-eating. There may be insomnia or excessive sleeping.
There may be loss of energy and unexplained aches and pains. There may
be contemplation of self-harm or suicide. For all these reasons, it is
important to understand that depression is real - it is a medical
condition.
For me depression has always been quite physical. A
weightiness. A darkness. And a familiarity such as you might feel with a
loved animal come to share your lap.
But what is depression really? Perhaps it would be easier to eliminate what depression is not.
Depression
is not about having a bad day, a 'blue' day. That is actually just
normal life! The difference is how long those feelings last. Because
they shouldn't last for days or for weeks.... or for months. And if you
suffer from depression, they do indeed last for long, long days...
Neurotransmitters
in the brain help nerve cells communicate. These neurotransmitters are
called serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine. And these substances can
change and get out of balance. Why? The reasons are many. It could be an
illness. It could be hormonal changes. It could be medication. It could
be ageing. It could be the result of an injury.
Or, it could be a
reason which is not so easy to understand. A failed business venture.
The death of a loved one. The ending of a relationship.
Whatever
the reason, the change in the way that the nerve cells communicate, the
change in the balance of the chemicals produced in the brain, results in
what is called depression. The imbalance is a chemical one. The
condition is real. And whether it has been triggered by something
tangible or something not quite so tangible, it is diagnosable and
treatable.
Depression knows no boundaries and has no favourites.
It affects people of all ages, genders, races and socio-economic
background. Is it reaching epidemic proportions? Consider this - by
2020, it is believed that depression will be the second most common
health problem in the world.
So if you suffer from depression,
know that you are not alone. And know that there is excellent help and
plentiful resources available to you now.