I've been thinking about writing this for quite some time. It's one of two things that I DO NOT talk about. Not because I'm ashamed of having gone through it, but because it's just not something that I feel comfortable talking about with others. Depression is also not something that many people could even imagine me going through, mainly because most of the time, I'm in a great mood and don't let life get me down. Well, it wasn't always like that. I suffered from what is called 'major depression' for about 3 years. I got myself out of it without medication or therapy. Don't ask how, because I couldn't tell you. That was the worst three years of my life, and I battled alcohol abuse, cutting, weight gain, and overwhelming thoughts of suicide, not to mention being physically ill; chronic mingraine headaches, body aches, and frequent stomachaches. The latter of which, I still experience from time to time. I'm writing this strictly to help others. Your negative opinions are not needed.

First, let me explain to you all what 'depression' is. Depression is an illness, not a frame of mind someone can 'snap out of'. Sadness and anger are normal reactions to life's struggles, setbacks, and disappointments. When these feelings begin to interfere with your ability to work, study, eat, sleep, and have fun, it's no longer normal. It's depression. Depression drains your energy, hope, and drive, making it difficult to do what you need to feel better. But while overcoming depression isn't quick or easy, it's far from impossible. 10% of Americans suffer from depression anually, most of them being females; However, depression does not discriminate based on age, gender, orientation, or skin color. Everyone feels down from time to time, but depression is classifed as having 6 or more of the following symptoms for more than two weeks:

-Feelings of helplessness and hopelessness.
-Loss of interest in dailly activities
-Appetite or weight changes
-Sleep changes
-Psychomotor agitation
-Loss of energy
-Self-loathing
-Concentration problems
-Irritability
-Aches and pains

Depression depending on gender and age:

• Depression in teens - Depression in teenagers can look different than it does in adults. Irritability—rather than depression—is frequently the predominant mood. A depressed adolescent may be hostile, grumpy, or easily lose his or her temper. Unexplained aches and pains are also common symptoms of depression in children and teens.

• Depression in older adults - The difficult changes that many older adults face—such as bereavement, loss of independence, and health problems—can lead to depression, especially in those without a strong support system. However, depression is not a normal part of aging. Older adults tend to complain more about the physical rather than the emotional signs and symptoms of depression, and so their mood disorder often goes unrecognized. But depression in the elderly is associated with poor health, a high mortality rate, and an increased risk of suicide, so diagnosis and treatment are extremely important.

• Depression in Women - Rates of depression in women are twice as high as they are in men. This is due in part to hormonal factors, particularly when it comes to premenstrual syndrome (PMS), premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), postpartum depression, and perimenopausal depression. As for signs and symptoms, women are more likely than men to experience pronounced feelings of guilt, sleep excessively, overeat, and gain weight. Women are also more likely to suffer from seasonal affective disorder.

• Depression in Men - Depressed men are less likely than women to acknowledge feelings of self-loathing and hopelessness. Instead, they tend to complain about fatigue, irritability, sleep problems, and loss of interest in work and hobbies. Other signs and symptoms of depression in men include anger, aggression and violence, reckless behavior, and substance abuse. Men may also try to cope with their depression by throwing themselves into their work.

• Major Depression - Major depression is characterized by a persistent sad mood and/or an inability to experience pleasure. These symptoms are constant, interfering with the ability to lead a productive and enjoyable life. Left untreated, a major depressive episode typically lasts for about six months. Some people may experience just a single episode of depression in their lifetime, but more commonly, major depression is a recurring disorder.

• Atypical Depression - Atypical depression is a common subtype of major depression. It features a specific symptom pattern, including a temporary mood lift in response to positive events. You may feel better after receiving good news or while out with friends. However, this boost in mood is fleeting. Other symptoms of atypical depression include weight gain or significant increase in appetite, sleeping excessively, a heavy feeling in the arms and legs, and sensitivity to rejection.

• Dysthymia - Dysthymia, or dysthymic disorder, is a type of "low-grade" depression that lasts for at least two years. Dysthymia is less severe than major depression, but the chronic symptoms prevent one from leading life to the fullest. If you have dysthymic disorder, you are mildly to moderately depressed on more days than not, although you may have brief periods of normal mood. Many people with dysthymia also experience major depressive episodes, a condition known as "double depression".

• Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) - Some people who experience recurring episodes of depression show a seasonal pattern known as seasonal affective disorder (SAD). SAD is a major depression that occurs in the fall or winter when the amount of sunlight is limited. In SAD, the depression goes away once the seasons turn again in the spring. SAD is more common in northern climates and in younger people.

• Postpartum Depression - Many new mothers suffer from some fleeting form of the "baby blues." Postpartum depression, in contrast, is a longer lasting and more serious depression thought to be triggered by hormonal changes associated with having a baby. Postpartum depression usually develops soon after delivery, but any depression that occurs within six months of childbirth may be postpartum depression.

Manic depression, also known as bipolar disorder, is characterized by cycling mood changes, with episodes of depression alternating with episodes of mania. Typically, the switch from one mood extreme to the other is gradual, with each manic or depressive episode lasting for at least several weeks. When depressed, a person with bipolar disorder exhibits the usual symptoms of major depression. In the manic phase, symptoms include hyperactivity, rapid speech, and impulsive behavior.

Treatment.

Before you can be treated for depression, you need to get a diagnosis that confirms that depression is indeed the problem. Although it may look and feel like depression, that doesn't necessarily mean the problem is psychological. Many medical conditions and medications can cause symptoms of depression, including sadness, fatigue, and the loss of pleasure. A good diagnostic evaluation will include an interview about your symptoms, a physical exam, and lab tests. The doctor will also ask you questions about your medical history, the medications and supplements you're taking, and what's going on in your life. The information you provide affects the accuracy of the diagnosis, so answer as honestly and openly as possible. Since substance abuse can also cause depression or make it worse, be sure to tell your doctor about your drinking habits or any drug use.

Questions that your doctor might ask you:

• When did the symptoms start?
• Have you ever had them before?
• How are the symptoms affecting your life?
• Did something happen to trigger them?
• Have you ever been treated for depression before?
• Do you have a family history of depression or mental illness?
• Do you drink alcohol or use drugs?
• Have you had thoughts about death or suicide?

If your doctor determines that there are no health problems causing your depression, then it's time to explore your treatment options. This is best done with the help of a mental health specialist, rather than your primary care doctor. While primary care doctors can prescribe antidepressants, depression is not their area of expertise and they aren't likely to be up on the latest research or cutting-edge treatments. A better option is to work with a psychiatrist or a psychologist with advanced training and extensive experience treating depression.

Finding a treatment provider.

Treating depression takes time and throughout the process you'll be working hand-in-hand with your doctor or therapist, so finding the right health care provider is important. To find a good therapist, start by asking around. Get recommendations from friends and family members, or ask your doctor for a referral. It's a good idea to check credentials—just remember that they aren't everything. It's more important to find a health care provider that you connect with. Make sure you feel comfortable opening up to this person.

Developing a treatment plan.

Once you've found a therapist or psychiatrist you click with, you will work together on a personalized treatment plan. The most common treatment approach for depression involves some type of talk therapy, antidepressant medication, or a combination of the two.

While your doctor may suggest taking an antidepressant, medication is by no means the only way to feel better. In fact, research shows that talk therapy is equally effective. Even if you decide that medication is right for you, it's a good idea to pursue therapy as well. Studies show that for depression treatment, a combination of medication and therapy works better than medication alone.

Types of therapy.

Psychodynamic therapy, Interpersonal therapy, Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), Natural and herbal supplements, Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation, Meditation, Light therapy, Join a support group, Exercise, Antidepressant medication

When you're feeling down:

• Talk to a supportive friend.
• Spend some time in nature.
• List what you like about yourself.
• Write in your journal.
• Read a good book.
• Watch a sitcom or funny movie.
• Take a long, hot bath.
• Listen to music.
• Get a massage.
• Take care of a few small tasks.
• Enjoy the company of a pet.
• Do something nice for someone else

Trust me when I tell you... it's not the end of the world. I know that it feels like it, but it really isn't. You have two options: get help or suffer. Note that suicide isn't one of them. Suicide isn't the only way out. Trust me... I've been there, done that, seen it, and got the T-shirt. Take it from someone who KNOWS.

1-800-273-TALK (8255)
http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org/
http://www.save.org/
http://www.afsp.org/
http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/suicide-prevention/index.shtml
http://www.sprc.org/
http://www.networkforgood.org/topics/health/suicide/
http://www.dbsalliance.org/site/PageServer?pagename=home

There's always hope, and there is a light at the end of the tunnel.


"I wish you would step back from that ledge my friend. You could cut ties with all the lies that youve been living in. And if you do not want to see me again I would understand. I would understand. The angry boy a bit too insane. Icing over a secret pain. You know you dont belong. Youre the first to fight. Youre way too loud. Youre the flash of light on a burial shroud. I know somethings wrong. Well everyone I know has got a reason To say put the past away. I wish you would step back from that ledge my friend. You could cut ties with all the lies that youve been living in And if you do not want to see me again I would understand. I would understand. Well hes on the table and hes gone to code. And I do not think anyone knows What theyre doing here. And your friends have left you; Youve been dismissed. I never thought it would come to this And i, I want you to know:Everyones got to face down the demons. Maybe today You could put the past away. I wish you would step back from that ledge my friend. You could cut ties with all the lies that youve been living in. And if you do not want to see me again I would understand. I would understand."
-'Jumper' by Third Eye Blind.