What is depression?

Depression and depressive disorders in general interfere with everyday functioning human being. They cause pain and suffering not only to those who suffer, but also their loved ones. A severe depression can destroy both the life of the person suffering as his family.

Most depressed people do not seek treatment or help. Although the vast majority (including severe depression sufferers) could receive help and healing. We believe that spiritual guidance in your church, family support, the help of professional experts in the subject, prayer and Bible reading are essential for a speedy recovery, as well as personal motivation, controlling emotions and physical exercise are of vital help to a significant immediate relief of symptoms.

What is a depressive disorder?

Depressive disorder is an illness that affects the body (mainly brain), mood, and thinking. It affects the way a person eats and sleeps. It affects how one values himself (self-esteem) and how you think. A depressive disorder is not the same as a passing blue mood. No sign of personal weakness. It is a condition in which a person can be released without advice will, for lack of information, support and tools to fight him.

People with a depressive illness cannot simply say "enough is enough, I'm going to be fine", but there is a real basis of knowledge, faith, self-esteem and willingness on the part of him. Without professional advice, symptoms can last for weeks, months and even years, immersing a person in a chaotic world, so many resort to violent solutions, drug abuse, alcohol, drugs and some to the point of taking your own life.

Types of depression

As in other diseases, there are several types of disorders related to depression.

The three most common types are: major depression, dysthymia and bipolar disorder. In each of these three types, the number, severity and persistence of symptoms vary.

Major depression is manifested by a combination of symptoms that interfere with the ability to work, sleep, eat, and enjoy once pleasurable activities. A very disabling episode of depression may occur only once in a lifetime, but it usually occurs several times in the course of life.

Dysthymia, a less severe type of depression, symptoms include chronic (long term) not disabling both, but nevertheless interfere with the functioning and well-being of the person. Many people with dysthymia also experience major depressive episodes at some time in their life.

Another type of bipolar disorder is also called manic-depressive illness. This is not as common as other depressive disorders. Bipolar disorder is characterized by cyclic changes in mood: mood phases severe highs (mania) and low mood (depression). The mood changes can be dramatic and rapid, but most often they are gradual. When a person is in the depressed cycle, may suffer from one, some or all of the symptoms of major depressive disorder.

When in the manic phase, the individual may be overactive, too and have a lot of energy. Mania often affects thinking, judgment and how to behave in relation to others. You can bring the patient to get into serious problems and embarrassment.

For example, in the manic phase the person may feel happy or elated, having grandiose projects, outlandish business decisions, and engage in adventures or romantic fantasies. If left untreated mania may worsen to a psychotic state (the patient temporarily loses reason).

Causes of Depression

Some types of depression tend to affect members of the same family, so that many suggest that you can inherit a biological predisposition. Apparently, there are additional factors that contribute to the disease is triggered: possibly stresses in life, family problems, work or study. In some families, major depression occurs generation after generation. However, severe depression can also affect people who have a family history of depression.

Whether inherited or not, major depressive disorder is often associated with changes in brain structure or function as medicine. It is believed that the environment in which the person develops, education, goals, achievements and influence perception of life greatly. People with low self-esteem perceive themselves and perceive the world with pessimism. People with low self-esteem and are easily overwhelmed by stress are predisposed to depression. It is unclear whether this represents a psychological predisposition or an early stage of the disease.

Where did it come from?

Depression is a "normal" reaction of the human being as it is a reaction to certain emotional factors that distort judgment, self-esteem and mood of the individual. Our person needs a spiritual and physical balance to stay healthy. It is very difficult and very unlikely for a person to maintain a healthy body and mind in your life when there are only conflicts, resentment, hatred, low self esteem, negative memories, guilt, remorse, and especially if there is no peace at home and in his person. The word peace, goes beyond human perception, is a gift from God.

Illness, especially psychological are a manifestation of the inner state of the person, excessive stress, guilt, hatred, addictions, resentment, low self esteem, bad thoughts and all this burden we carry through our existence is in many cases the Body reason for our situation, this is nothing new and you can tell any professional who deals with emotional conflict situations personas. These becomes heavier as time passes and it is believed that there comes a time when our inner person collapses and not tolerate his load and this is manifested in physical form (Heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, ulcers, chronic pain, depression, anxiety, phobias, hobbies etc).

Another common cause psychological disorders is trauma, either something they impact children or affects them today for example, sexual abuse, verbal, physical, death of a loved one or friend etc.., These factors may reach generate a self-destructive behavior and violent people and is very important to treat these factors together with the depressive condition given that these greatly affect the individual's emotional development especially in regard to self-esteem and how they see the world.

Symptoms of Depression

Not all people who are depressed or manic phases or all suffer from the same symptoms. Some suffer from a few symptoms, others have many. The severity of symptoms varies from person to person and can change over time.

We must also emphasize that the fact that a person has any of these symptoms sporadically, does not necessarily make a person depressed, because many of these symptoms can be caused by many external factors or other special situations such as illness or drugs.

The most common symptoms to recognize signs of depression are:

1. Restlessness, sad mood, anxious or "empty" persistently.

2. Feelings of guilt, worthlessness and helplessness.

3. Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed, including sex.

4. Difficulty concentrating, remembering, and making decisions.

5. Decreased energy, fatigue, exhaustion.

6. Weight loss, appetite, or both, or overeating and gaining weight account.

7. Insomnia, sleep disorders and their schedules.

8. Thoughts of death or suicide, suicide attempts.

9. Chronic physical symptoms: headaches, digestive disorders and other frequent pains.

10. Mania, abnormal or excessive euphoria.

11. Poor judgment.

12. Irritability.

Some tips you can follow while you recover from your condition are:

* Seek professional biblical counseling, read the Bible and do daily prayer, this strengthens not only the spirit, also strengthens the mind and helps to relieve emotional burdens.

* Set realistic goals along your recovery and Fe fijate goals throughout your life.

* Achieve your goals, set priorities, and do what is in their power to do and have faith.

* Try to be with and to talk to someone you trust.

* Take part in activities that help you feel better.

* Work light, go to the movies, go to a sports game, or participating in recreational, religious, social or otherwise. All this can help.

* Expect your mood to improve immediately, but gradually. Feeling better takes time.

* It is advisable to postpone important decisions or projects until their condition improves. Before making major changes in your life and in your family who deserve a serious observation and radical changes, consult with trusted people who know you well and can help you have a more objective view of your situation.

* People rarely leaves a depression overnight. But you may feel a little better every day if they want you.

* Remember!, Positive patterns of thought will eventually replace negative thoughts that are part of the depression. Negative patterns will disappear as soon as your depression responds to treatment and counseling.

* Let family and friends help, and not be ashamed of your situation, get over it!

* Smile today, tomorrow and always, as there is a God and there is always a solution to every problem.