DEPRESSION...(Let's break it down)

Depression is a B***H, out of all the illnesses I suffer from, this is one monster I can do without.  Yes, I am putting it mildly.  Well, as mild as I can at the moment. I wanted everything to be perfect like a beautiful garden of perfect roses.  Truth is I can't, the feelings of incompetence and feeling insignificant are very hard to battle. 

If depression were a cut, there would be blood everywhere.  I am not saying I feel suicidal, just writing about how it brings up memories of my helplessness, and being afraid of the future. Trust me I understand being helpless, but then there is a cherished memory I keep hidden inside that I draw on for strength to make it through.

So without further ado, I want to introduce "Depression". I apologize for the graphic beginning, but I wanted to get your attention and understand how powerful depression can be on people.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health - "Depression (also known as major depression, major depressive disorder, or clinical depression) is a common but serious mood disorder. It causes severe symptoms that affect how a person feels, thinks, and handles daily activities, such as sleeping, eating, or working."

The symptoms of depression vary from individual, as well as age and gender. To be diagnosed with a certain type of depression, one must suffer or bear with the symptoms for at least 2 weeks to be able to distinguish and diagnose the severity and type of depression one has.

It has been proven that females suffer from depression more than men, although statistics vary from different research and publications.  I feel that women are more prone to discuss their feelings than men do. That I believe most people would agree with me.  I am not trying to make jibes at men, because this does affect them as well, it is just that men handle situations differently.

Major Depression (also known as clinical depression)

Major depression is the most severe form of depression as well as most common., due to the fact it is more debilitating by the severity of it.

Here is a list of symptoms involving depression according to WebMD:.

• Loss of interest or pleasure in your activities

• Weight loss or gain

• Eating more or less than usual

• Feeling sleepy all the time or having trouble falling asleep

• Feeling restless and agitated, or very sluggish and physically or mentally slow

• Being tired and without energy

• Feeling worthless or overly guilty

• Trouble concentrating or making decisions

• Thoughts of suicide, attempting suicide, or having a plan to end your life.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health "Depression can also involve other changes in mood or behavior that include:

• Increased anger or irritability

• Feeling restless or on edge

• Becoming withdrawn, negative, or detached

• Increased engagement in high-risk activities

• Greater impulsivity

• Increased use of alcohol or drugs

• Isolating from family and friends

• Inability to meet the responsibilities of work and family or ignoring other important roles

• Problems with sexual desire and performance"

Let's move on and discuss other types of depression, I realize that this is a lot to take in. I feel it is important to understand because surviving the physical and emotional damage that has been done to me, is one of the reasons I suffer from depression.

Seasonal affective disorder - is like the word states it comes and goes as the seasons change.  Typically people are more affected in the wintertime.  Which is why holidays there is an influx of suicidal attempts. 

Postpartum and Perinatal depression - These many of you may have heard about, is when women experience depressive states during and after the pregnancy. also known as the baby blues.

Depression with symptoms of psychosis - This type of depression is very serious and may cause hallucinations, as well as delusions.  People may hear or see things that other people do not hear or see. People may also experience beliefs that are false and can be quite disturbing.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health "People with bipolar disorder (formerly called manic depression or manic-depressive illness) also experience depressive episodes, during which they feel sad, indifferent, or hopeless, combined with a very low activity level. But a person with bipolar disorder also experiences manic (or less severe hypomanic) episodes, or unusually elevated moods, in which they might feel very happy, irritable, or “up,” with a marked increase in activity level."

I have been diagnosed as bipolar, in which some days I am on top of the world, while others I want to stay in bed.  I mentioned earlier that I have a cherished memory, it is of my grandchildren, even though they may cause me heartache at times, I will never give up on them.  They also bring me great JOY and most of the time happiness seeing them play and engage with each other.  They are my lifeline.

I feel that if I can tap into my inner strengths as difficult as it is, I want others to delve in and discover what can benefit them positively and make them happy.

I have researched and discovered that there is currently no proven medicine or prescription that successfully handles the side effects of being bipolar.  It is the reason I seek gratification from external sources.

Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder-

according to WebMD

"Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder (DMDD) is a childhood depressive disorder in which children and adolescents (age 6 to 18 years) have frequent, intense anger outbursts and ongoing irritability.

The symptoms are so severe they cause problems at home and school. Getting along with peers is difficult. Symptoms usually start between the ages of 6 and 10 years. A child must experience these intense symptoms for 12 months or more to be diagnosed with this condition.

DMDD is generally treated with:

Psychotherapy, or talk therapy. Forms include cognitive behavioral therapy and parent training. Your doctor might recommend treating your child (aged 6-12) with psychotherapy, followed by medication if needed.

Antidepressants. Treatment for adolescents (aged 12 to 18) is usually a combination of antidepressants and psychotherapy."

I added this information for those with children who may be suffering from depression and/or similar issues. I pray that my words reach out to those seeking answers.

There are more depression disorders and I recommend either seeking professional help or researching on your own. The National Institute of Mental Health and WebMD are 2 good places to start.

If you have a story or information to share please contact me at mandiesafehaven@gmail.com

Prayers,

Mandie