Depression

Definition of Depression.

Depression is an emotional, physical and cognitive state. Depression can affect anyone at anytime with symptoms that vary from person to person. Almost 1.5 million people in Australia alone suffer from depression and depressive states. On average, up to one in five people will experience an episode of depression oncein their life time. This is slightly higher in females than in males – one in four females whereas only one in six depressed males. As such depression is actually very common, much more common than one would suspect.

There are five main categories of depression. Major depression, psychotic depression, dysthymia, mixed depression and anxiety and biopolar disorger which was formally known as manic depressive illness. Previously, when one spoke of depression it was meant to mean major depression which is a depressed mood that lasts for at least two weeks and may reoccur frequently. This is sometimes referred to as clinical depression or unipolar depression as well. In comparison to clinical major depression, dysthymia is less severe. It is usually seen as depressed mood that although not as severe as clinical depression lasts longer for years.

When depressed mood includes symptoms of psychosis then this type of depression is called psychotic depression. This depression may involve hallucinations, paranoia and delusions. People suffering from psychotic depression may feel like everyone is against them, may see or hear things that are not there or may not exist and may perceive things that are contrary to norm beliefs.

Depression will generally have attributes of:

• depressed mood
• loss of interest and/or pleasure
• feelings of guilt
• disturbed or loss of appetite and/or sleep
• low energy
• poor concentration
• impairs ability to function daily and to perform daily responsibilities
• loss in sexual arousal

Depressed people often feel downhearted, disappointed, detached, dispirited and can be easily upset and become angry. They often won’t be conciled or comforted and may brood and become withdrawn. They may have a pessimistic sense of inadequacy and will not engage themselves in many social activities as a result. Depression can lead to suicide and thus it is important for people suffering from depression to get help from an external, professional source (not from family or friends). Clinical intervention when suicide is likely is crucial.