Understanding Depression: How This Illness Manifests

2015-06-08 15:29:27 CPCC Blogging Team

An Inside Look At Depression

When depression is talked about in popular culture, it is often flippant. Unfortunately, this has left many people thinking depression and sadness are the same thing, and all someone suffering from depression needs to do to get healthy is “snap out of it.”

This is far from the truth. In fact, depression is a very real, very serious illness caused by an imbalance in the chemistry of the individual’s brain. Furthermore, depression is not caused by a person’s failure to combat symptoms or inability to cope with certain situations. Studies have revealed that genetics, hormonal changes, stress, grief, and medical conditions can all cause depression.

Depression is characterized by sadness, hopelessness, guilt, and loss of interest in people and activities. It can also be marked by trouble with concentration, decision making, and memory, as well as withdrawal from people, and substance abuse. People afflicted by depression often feel tired, experience changes in their sleep and appetite, and may even suffer from aches or pains that are unexplained.

The best way to start on the path to recovering from depression is to talk to your doctor or a mental health professional. Together, you can tailor the right therapy and medication to help you heal.

If you are suffering from depression, know that you are not alone. The World Health Organization says that depression affects one in five women and one in ten men globally at some point in their lives. To talk to someone to get help healing from your depression, contact the Community Presbyterian Counseling Center. Our San Ramon, California team is dedicated to helping you overcome your depression to live your happiest, healthiest life. You do not have to go through your life feeling depressed; call us today to start on the path to a more joyful life!

Depression