HOW DO WE KNOW WHEN WE NEED DEPRESSION MEDICATIONS OR JUST SERIOUS STRESS MANAGEMENT"
Feeling down from time to time is a normal part of life. But when sadness takes hold and won't go away, it's time to look at depression. More than just the temporary "blues," the lows of depression make it difficult, if not impossible, to function.
IS IT STRESS DEPRESSION?
What can be really confusing about this question is that feeling depressed is one of the big signs of stress, and feeling stressed is one of the big signs of depression.
Take a close look at the signs of both, keeping in mind that feeling depressed is more often a normal reaction to a stressful life situation. Even though it may seem like the mental gloom is so dark will never lift, it may not be clinical depression but rather situational depression, which is a normal reaction after a major disappointment, or dealing with something such as a difficult relationship or its impending break-up.
GOOD STRESS MANAGEMENT CAN HELP ALLEVIATE SITUATIONAL DEPRESSION
You may even have lots of signs of depression, but looking for relief in depression medications is unnecessary since with time, good self care and stress management techniques can act as a natural antidepressants, or perhaps after talking with a professional counselor, you can gradually, bit by bit, start to feel like yourself again.
THE HUGE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN "FEELING DEPRESSED" AND the CLINICAL DEFINITION OF DEPRESSION
Although many people use the word “depression” to describe what is really situational depression that is a normal, healthy reaction to events clinical depression is something quite different.
The despondency of clinical depression is unrelenting and overwhelming. Some people describe it as “living in a black hole” or having a feeling of impending doom. They can't escape their unhappiness, despair and negative thoughts no matter how hard they try. They can't function because they are literally be incapacitated by the mental depression.
Ironically, there are also some people with clinical depression who don't feel despairing and unhappy at all. They are functional however, instead, they feel anesthetized emotionally, and life feels lifeless, meaningless and empty. In this apathetic state, they are unable to experience pleasure. Even when participating in activities they used to enjoy, they feel as if they're just going through the motions.
UNTREATED DEPRESSION IS DANGEROUS
Not only is depression hard on your health because it disrupts basic bodily functions like sleeping, eating and activity, as well as impairing mental function, but untreated depression also increases the likelihood of addictions, broken relationships, and having serious health breakdowns such as stroke or heart attack.
SUICIDE, DEPRESSION AND ANITDEPRESSANTS
Suicidal thoughts are a symptom of depression, and conversely (as bizarre as it seems) suicidal thoughts can also be one of the side-effects of anti depression medications.
After watching this video, give some serious consideration to adopting stress management in earnest by simply incorporating the well known three ways to relieve stress into your life.
In any and all cases, suicide must always be taken seriously. If you, or someone you know, is talking about suicide or talking of wanting to hurt him/herself, seek professional help right away.
If you are feeling suicidal, know that there are many people who want to support you during this difficult time. Even if it is the last thing you feel like doing, reach out for help.
Withdrawal from antidepressants can be extremely difficult for 20 to 62% of users. This video about "Discontinuation Syndrome" explains more about this problem.
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