Depression 101

When I was a teen and reading everything from novels to Reader’s Digests to Mom or Dad’s encyclopedias and self-help books, I was fascinated with a particular malaise that I had felt for years but had no words to articulate. I had most of the symptoms of depression; therefore, I was bent on reading articles about depression. That was about thirty years ago, so while the info then was more limited than it is now, I have a better understanding of an illness (or syndrome) that severely impacts those with it and those who live with persons who have it: such statistics that hold that in any given year, some 13 to 14 million people will suffer some degree of depressive disorder (according to www.add-adhd-help-center.com).

I cannot remember the title, but one of the very first articles I read, contained information regarding depression that still remains right today.

Clinically depressed people suffer from sleeplessness, or they sleep too much, are restless and irritable.

They lose interest in pleasurable pastimes, taking care of personal hygiene and food.

Another of the early-read symptoms of depression also holds right today: the depressed person is continuously or consistently tired or exhausted and has less than usual energy.

Further studies, increased numbers of depressed persons, and updated documentation also address additional symptoms of depression: also according to www.add-adhd-help-center.com, these symptoms include the following:

Persistent, ongoing sadness, an attitude of futility and feelings of worthlessness;

Weight loss or gain

Overeating (akin to undereating)

Ongoing feelings of physical illness such as stomach pain, digestive disorders and headaches, these are not limited to depression, but all may be treatment resistant.

Obsessive suicidal thoughts and thoughts of dying;

When I reached my forties, I found that I also suffer from Attention Deficit Disorder, also known as ADD. One of the disorders that partner with this is depression. I was compelled and fascinated by the fact that I was suffering from these partner illnesses, and found it imperative that I learn more about them both. If you have either or both of these syndromes, you need to know that there are many sources available that will help. You are not alone and there are books, treatment, articles and people who can help. This is not a hopeless situation, it is possible to lift that heavy weight from your shoulders, stop eating everything in the refrigerator and live a normal pleased, smiling life. If I did it, then so can you. It is possible to wake up from that deep depressive sleep and forget about suicide being the solution to end it all.