Help for Depression

Depression might be a little bit overused term these days. Sometimes one thinks being ‘depressed’ just because one feels down. It is important to make a clear distinction between being ‘depressed,’ 'down,' and being truly clinically depressed. 

Feeling somewhat sad, less energetic, ‘blue,’ not feeling like socializing and just wanting to do nothing, happens to everyone. It’s a good thing that our rhythm slows down at times, that we give ourselves a break. When this lasts for a couple days, up to a couple weeks, one can say that one is ‘depressed.’ Typically, after this period of rest, there is new found energy and drive. 

Clinical depression is something else. It consists of precise symptoms that can typically last for several months. One may observe sleeping troubles, changes in appetite, extreme tiredness, intense sadness and hopelesness. 

Depressive feelings and clinical depression are frequent among adults and adolescents. But children can also present depressive symptoms that can present very differently than those of adults. They typically exhibit irritable behavior.

It is important to know that when someone is clinically depressed, mere ‘will’ and ‘determination’ or efforts made by the immediate environment and loved ones will not be effective in helping the depressed person move out of his or her depressed state. When living in this state it is important to get help. Medications could be helpful at a certain point. Psychotherapy can be a treatment that addresses the causes that have lead to the current state. It is a way to help the person take control of his or her life again. Throughout the process one will be able to come to terms with oneself.