Depression Essay -- essays research papers

Depression. Depression is one of the most common psychological problems, affecting nearly everyone through either personal experience or through depression in a family member. The cost in human suffering cannot be estimated. Depression can interfere with normal functioning, and frequently causes problems with work, social and family adjustment. It causes pain and suffering not only to those who have a disorder, but also to those who care about them. Serious depression can destroy family life as well as the life of the depressed person. Impact of Depression:  Causes tremendous emotional pain  Disrupts the lives of millions of people  Adversely affects the lives of families and friends  Reduces work productivity and absenteeism  Has a significant negative impact on the economy.  Depression is a psychological condition that changes how you think and feel, and also affects your social behavior and sense of physical well being. We have all felt sad at one time or another, but that is not depression. Sometimes we feel tired from working hard, or discouraged when faced with serious problems. This too, is not depression. These feelings usually pass within a few days or weeks, once we adjust to the stress. Cause of depression: Clinical depression is a very common psychological problem, and most people never seek proper treatment, or seek treatment but they are misdiagnosed with physical illness. This is extremely unfortunate because, with proper treatment, nearly 80% of those with depression can make significant improvement in their mood and life adjustment. â€Å"You may have heard people talk about chemical imbalances in the brain that occur in depression, suggesting that depression is a medical illness, without psychological causes†. However, all psychological problems have some physical manifestations, and all physical illnesses have psychological components as well. In fact, the chemical imbalances that occur during depression usually disappear when you complete psychotherapy for depression, without taking any medications to correct the imbalance. This suggests that the imbalance is the body's physical response to psychological depression, rather than the other way around. People who have low self-esteem, who consistently view themselves and the world with pessimism, or who are readily shoc... ...treatment. This may involve encouraging the individual to stay with treatment until the symptoms begin to decrease (several weeks), or to seek different treatment if no improvement occurs. On occasion, it may require making an appointment and along with the depressed person to appointments with the psychologist. Invite the depressed person for walks, outings, to the movies, and other activities. Be gently purposeful if your invitation is refused. Encourage participation in some activities that once gave pleasure, such as hobbies, sports, religious or cultural activities, but do not push the depressed person to undertake too much too soon. The depressed person needs deviation and company, but too many demands can increase feelings of failure. â€Å"A complete psychological diagnostic evaluation will help you decide the type of treatment that might be best for you†. Psychologists†. Bio................. The National Institute of Mental Health Psychology Information Online , developed by Donald J. Franklin, Ph.D., provides information about the practice of psychology, features Continuing Education Programs and a Psychology Bookstore, and hosts the National Directory of Psychologists.