Depression and how to live with it, Important Information

[iowakansas2006]

Depression affects approximately 14 million adults
in America today

If you're living with depression, you know only too well how it feels for you. But each person experiences depression in his or her own way. One person may sleep too much, while another sleeps too little. Some people don't eat enough and lose weight, while others overeat and gain weight. A diagnosis of Major Depressive Disorder, commonly referred to as depression, requires having a depressed mood or loss of interest or pleasure in activities a person used to enjoy. In addition, 4 of the following symptoms must also be present nearly every day for at least 2 weeks:

* Significant weight loss when not dieting or weight gain (i.e., a change of more than 5% of body weight in a month), or decrease or increase in appetite
* Insomnia or hypersomnia (excessive sleeping) nearly every day
* Feeling restless or sluggish to the point that others notice
* Fatigue or loss of energy
* Feelings of worthlessness or excessive or inappropriate guilt
* Diminished ability to think or concentrate, or indecisiveness
* Recurrent thoughts of death (not just fear of dying), recurrent suicidal thoughts without a specific plan, or a suicide attempt or a specific plan for committing suicide

Of course, depression is more than just a collection of symptoms: it's a common and serious medical condition that can feel overwhelming and interfere with your ability to function. It may occur once, but for some people it can occur several times in their lives. It is estimated that depression affects about 14 million Americans in a given year, or approximately 1 out of 6 adults over a lifetime.

A diagnosis of depression and treatment should only be given by a healthcare professional. Recovering from depression is an ongoing process. That's why you and your healthcare professional need to keep working together.
Living with depression

There are many challenges to living with depression. Even after going on antidepressant treatment, many people still experience symptoms of depression. Sometimes these unresolved symptoms may prevent people from enjoying the things they used to.

When you have unresolved symptoms of depression, the result is the same. You're looking for additional relief from your symptoms so you can continue to do the things you need to do as well as the things you enjoy doing.

[elaine]

i have sufferd with depression for over 2 years now im on tablets called citrapam

[marti]

I suffer from depression and i am on luvox and respirdal

[iowakansas2006]

I also suffer from depression and take med's to. I guess when I went for counceling many years ago I was told I had anixety and depression since I was a kid. But never put on med's of either one. I fight with myself go get up and go everyday now. Sometimes it's no fun at all. Who else feels this way besides me?

[elaine]

im getting counceling but to me it isnt working i dont no if im not giving it enough time to work or what

[iowakansas2006]

I'm sorry to hear this Elaine. I went to counseling for a while to. But my I found out she didn't care about me. So I quit also. I talk to my friends and my minister plus pray a lot. I think that helps me. I hope you found something that helps you.

[elaine]

im really trying to deal with this somedays i can be fine and others i can get enmotionaly upset and just cry for no reason i really want to come off these tablets and just try to deal with it my self please tell me if u think im wrong to do this