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Depression

Depression is a common emotional disorder. It affects both the body and the mind. It can occur at any age, from young childhood to the golden years of old age. According to the National Mental Health Association, nearly six million children under the age of eighteen suffer from depression. W. R. Spence, M. D. (1992) states that depression is believed to be caused by a combination of biological and psychological forces. Since there may be physical symptoms associated with depression it is often misdiagnosed with only the physical symptoms being treated. In some cases depression may actually have a physical cause. Some drugs, including high blood pressure medications, steroids, or even birth control pills may contribute to depression. About 20% of all cases of depression are caused by an actual physical problem.

Physical Symptoms:

  • exhaustion
  • low blood sugar
  • headaches
  • ulcers
  • exhaustion

    On an emotional level depressed people often experience a feeling hopelessness and helplessness. It can be like seeing everything through a dark lens. Sigmund Freud theorized that depression was a reaction to loss. He saw many similarities between mourning and depression. While there may be no obvious loss apparent in their lives, the severely depressed may be mourning something, even if it is a loss of their dreams. Some mental health specialists feel that depression may also be anger or aggression turned inward. If the person has been repeatedly told that anger is bad and should not be taken out on other people, the anger may turn inward and be taken out on the self.

    Clinical depression should not be confused with the occasional bad day that everyone experiences. Sometimes a bad mood may last a week or more. But if the sense of hopelessness lasts for several weeks it can be viewed as a warning signal. A physician needs to be consulted at this point.

    Signs of Depression:

  • persistent feelings of sadness
  • sleeplessness or too much sleep
  • difficulty concentrating
  • poor appetite/ unwanted weight loss
  • social withdrawal
  • loss of interest in usual activities
  • feelings of worthlessness
  • pessimism
  • irritability, anxiety, worry
  • difficulty getting out of bed in the morning
  • fatique, exhaustion
  • physical aches and pains (headaches, stomachaches, etc.)
  • excessive crying
  • thoughts of suicide or harming oneself.

    The above are symptoms for all age groups. Children may react differently in one major area. While many are exhausted and low on energy, many react in opposite ways. Teenagers for example, may have too much restless energy and channel this excess in destructive ways. They may act out the depression by being rebellious at home or at school. They may turn to drugs and/or alcohol or even promiscuity as the depression continues.

    Children who are under a great deal of stress, experiencing loss through death or divorce, and those who have learning disabilities are at higher risk for developing depression. According to Dr. Spence (1992) there are also other emotional causes.

    Emotional Causes:

  • grief
  • helplessness
  • frustration
  • low self-esteem
  • anxiety
  • introversion
  • rejection
  • guilt
  • loneliness
  • hopelessness

    Depression is an illness that can be treated. Only a few clinically depressed people actually seek help. Treatment may include therapy, medication, or a combination of the two. If you think that you or your child has become clinically depressed you need to get help immediately. A physician or mental health specialist should be consulted. Unfortunately, some severely depressed people do commit suicide. If your child begins to talk about killing himself, please take it seriously. Click here to visit www.teachingingwithwisdom.com
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