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DEPRESSION
One in
twenty workers, or 200,000 people suffer from a depressive
illness. A depressive illness is serious but can be treated. Depression
disrupts work , family and social life. Depression results in more days
in bed than ulcers , diabetes , high blood pressure , or arthritis.
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What is it?
A depressive illness is an overwhelming feeling which dulls thinking ,
mood and concentration. It saps energy ,interest in food , sex , work
and everyday activities. Another common feature is disruption of sleep.
We do not have a true understanding as to what causes depression but
there is a consensus that chemical agents in the brain or "
neurotransmitters" are involved. Without treatment it can last for years
or indefinitely.
Three out of four people hide their depression from their employers ,
supervisors and work colleagues. The reasons for this are complex but
not least is still the not inconsiderable stigma attached to mental
illness. But thankfully with more public education and awareness this is
improving.
Are there different types?
In real life depressive illness often does not fall neatly into the
following categories but it can help differentiate between the the types
of depressive people. |
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Reactive Depression : This follows a major loss such as death of
someone close , unexpected financial difficulties or redundancy.
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Personality-based Depression: This happens to people with poor
self-image, or to those who rely excessively on others for advice or
emotional support , often after a minor loss. It may be part of their
make up to be more vulnerable to adverse life events than other
people. |
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Endogenous Depression : This is a chemical or biological
depression which often occurs without apparent cause. Although a
traumatic event can trigger this depression , the extent of the mood
change cannot be explained the event alone. |
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Manic-Depression : This is usually associated with bouts of
depression lasting weeks or months alternate with periods of euphoria
or mania of similar duration. Stress or loss often triggers
manic-depressive episodes. |
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Symptoms of depression |
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Persistent sad or empty feeling |
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Loss
of interest in food , sex , work and other activities |
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Tiredness and feeling sluggish despite rest |
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Trouble getting to sleep , waking too early or oversleeping |
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Reduced or increased appetite and weight |
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Poor
concentration and indecisiveness |
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Feelings of guilt and worthlessness |
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Chronic aches and pains without a physical cause |
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Treatment
Depression can be treated. Over 80% of the most severe depressions can
be helped quickly. Treatments come in the form of counseling ,
psychotherapies and medication. The treatment is tailored for the
individual patient. It is important to stress that the medication used
to treat depression is extremely effective and also non habit forming. I
is also important to point out that the medication can take up to 2 to 3
weeks to work. The bulk of depressed patients can be treated
successfully by their family doctor.
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