By: Katarina Uber
Do you ever wonder if you have depression? Many of us will have feelings that fit the definition of depression, but is it really depression? Clinical depression is a mental disorder that affects millions of people, disrupting lives by weaving itself into all aspects of our lives. Yet the feelings of depression can also be normal. Confusing? Let's look at some of the criteria for depression.
Feelings of sadness are normal. Everyone experiences a blue mood once in a while. But when feelings of sadness become your only feelings, and when a blue mood turns into a persistent black cloud, you may be suffering from depression.
Depression is an illness, a mental disorder that overwhelms your mind and body. It is not a transient mood that can be dismissed. The victim of depression is powerless to command it to leave. It changes how you think and how you feel. It essentially changes who you are and affects how you interact with others.
Since normal feelings of sadness and the feelings of depression are very similar, differentiating between the two is usually by time and intensity. The feelings from depression are much more intense than a normal reaction to a negative event.
Typically, the threshold for diagnosing depression is about two weeks. When we experience negative events, it is normal to want to withdraw and to feel sad. If after a few weeks you are still withdrawn and there is no relief from the sadness, it is possible that you have entered a depressive episode. Untreated depression can last for months to years.
The good news is depression is treatable. Through a combination of therapy and medication, up to 80 percent of people with depression get better. But treatment takes time and involves some trial and error, so patience is a must.
No one is immune to the effects of depression. It is not an indication of weakness or failure. If you suspect that you or someone you know may be suffering from depression, it's important to get professional advice as soon as possible.
Article Source: http://articlesland.info
