All about Depression
A Three-Part Blog Series
Part Two
What is Depression?
Clinical depression as a medical condition related to the neurotransmitters, the chemicals in the brain. The neurotransmitters play a variety of different roles, appetite, regulating your mood and your responsiveness to stimulation, etc. this is why depression presents a variety of different symptoms and forms. Some people that are suffering from depression may eat more, sleep more and feel exhausted all of the time. Others may suffer from insomnia, anxiousness or agitation.
The symptoms and the severity of clinical depression can vary widely from person to person, no two people are the same. Some people have mild depression or dysthymia that can make it difficult to function but not impossible, they experience feelings of sadness or emptiness that may linger for many years. Other people may experience major depression, with symptoms becoming more severe and affecting their ability to function on a daily basis.
There is also often a cognitive part to depression, which normally takes the form of a recognizable pattern of thinking usually characterized by pessimism, perfectionism, relentless self-criticism, helplessness and irrational guilt. Often it’s these twisted thought patterns that make it hard for the person suffering from depression to see it clearly and seek help.
Depression is a medical condition; it isn’t the result of a broken or defective personality or weak character. People often associate their symptoms with weakness, making them feel embarrassed or ashamed to seek professional help. There is nothing to be ashamed or embarrassed about, and here at Dynamic Discovery we offer confidential and professional services and recourses and are available to talk.
It’s common to experience thoughts of self-harm or suicide when people are struggling with depression. They may be hovering in the background, or they could become more forceful and potentially dangerous. If you are suffering from thoughts of self-harm or suicide, please speak to a professional medical practitioner ASAP. These services are confidential, and someone will be available to speak to you.
If you are looking for someone to speak to, please don’t hesitate to contact us at Dynamic Discovery our confidential and professional counselors are available to speak or meet with you. Isn’t it time you started taking positive steps forward on the road to recovery?
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