Depression

It is normal for everyone to have those “blue” days every once in a while.   But when those days become weeks and months, we have a problem.   A depressive disorder affects daily life, normal habits, and not only the one suffering from depression, but the loved ones around them.   It is a scary and distressing disorder.   Luckily, there has been much research put into finding a cure for this disorder.   Although many people that suffer from depression never seek treatment, the majority of people who DO seek healing, get better.   Among many types of treatment, there have been many medical advances in medications, psychotherapy, and other methods to treat this disorder.   “At any given time, about 6% of the adult population suffers from it, and in the course of a lifetime, 30% may experience at least one episode that lasts for months or longer.   Depression affects twice as many women as men” (Kolb & Whishaw).
To my surprise, there are many different forms of depression.   The most common is a Major Depressive Disorder.   This is typically referred to as a major depression.   There is also Dysthymic Disorder, Psychotic Depression, Postpartum Depression, as well as Seasonal Affective Disorder (NIMH).   These different depressions typically have similar symptoms, but have differences in the cause and time period of the depression.   Symptoms vary from person to person, but the standard symptoms of a depression are: persistent sad feelings, anxious, feeling of hopelessness, guilt, worthlessness, helplessness, irritability, restlessness, loss of interest in hobbies, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, change in sleep pattern—insomnia or excessive sleeping, overeating, loss of appetite, and suicidal thoughts or attempts.   There is no specific amount of severity, frequency, and duration of the symptoms.   It all depends on the individual and their particular illness.
The unsettling fact about depression is that there is no known cause.   It seems to be derived from genetics,...