Home
  BUYING GUIDES
    ..since 1995

GALT HOME:  
Internet Guides
- Finance
- Audio/Video
- Travel
- Household/DIY
- Health
- Cars
- Fashion
- Sports
- Entertainment
- Cell Phones

   MENU:   Technology and Internet Guides | Travel | Health | Household | Sports          ...independent online guides since 1995

What is Depression? Symptoms?:

You often hear people say things like, "Oh, she is just depressed. She'll get over it". Depression is something that will happen to 16% of all Americans in their lifetime and should be taken very seriously and not just brushed aside. Many people suffer from depression and don't even acknowledge it or recognize the symptoms enough to seek treatment or help. Depression itself is caused by an imbalance of brain chemicals as well as other factors. We read many quotes in psychological journals and on health websites that describe depression as "feeling like a black curtain of despair coming down over your life". Those that suffer from depression often lack energy to even get out of bed in the mornings. They are unable to concentrate on any task for very long and they become overwhelmed with negative feelings and thoughts. The bigger problem that exists is that most people who have depression will not actually seek help and get on a treatment program to lift their emotional and mental states of mind. If you are a woman, you are almost twice as likely to become drepressed as man. The main symptoms that help a doctor diagnose depression include:
  • constant feelings of sadness, irritability, or tension
  • decreased interest or pleasure in usual activities or hobbies
  • loss of energy, feeling tired despite lack of activity
  • a change in appetite, with significant weight loss or weight gain
  • a change in sleeping patterns, such as difficulty sleeping, early morning awakening, or sleeping too much
  • decreased ability to make decisions or concentrate
  • restlessness or feeling slowed down
  • feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness, or guilt
  • thoughts of suicide or death
  • restlessness or feeling slowed down




What are the causes of Depression?:

If you are looking for one single cause of depression you are not going to find it. There are many factors that go into someone becoming depressed but some things are much mroe prevalent than others. Some causes are below:
  • Family History - Genetics play an important part in depression
  • Trauma and stress - death of loved ones or financial problems can bring on depression
  • Pessimistic personality - low self esteem and a negative outlook are at a higher risk
  • Physical conditions - serious medical conditions like heart disease, cancer or HIV can contribute to depression
  • Other psychological disorders - Anxiety disorders, eating disorders, schizophrenia, and substance abuse often appear along with depression

Depression is a scary disease which many of use will come across (either in ourselves or others) during our lifetime. It's the type of disease that most of us would deny ever having since there is a social stigmy associated with being depressed. It's not like saying you have diabetes or allergies, being depressed means you are "weird" or "strange" in America. Therefore, many people who may suspect they have periodic bouts with depression are not likely to seek treatment. Sometimes things as simple as changing your diet can alleviate the symptoms or getting a little more exercise. I took a class in my undergrad psychology studies back at San Jose State on "Exercise and Depression". The teacher was all about running as a way to keep the endorphins active in our bodies and felt that those that exercise are way more likely not to get depressed. I strongly believe in this theory and would recommend exercising to anyone who feels stressed out or depressed at times.

What is the treatment (medication) for depression?:

The good news is that depression is very treatable. Most patients, even those with severe depression, show improvement after they seek treatment. Antidepressant Medications like Paxil, Zoloft, and Wellburtin have come onto the market and help alleviate many symptons for patients suffering from depression. Psychotherapy is another great help. Types of therapy used to treat depression are:
  • Cognitive behavioral therapy
  • Interpersonal therapy
  • Psychodynamic therapy
  • Group therapy
Based on your background and history your therapist or doctor can get the correct dose of each type of therapy or medication to counterbalance the depression. Many people who never thought they could function in society due to deep depressions are now active, productive citizens going to work, parenting, and enjoying their lives. There is an alternative to being depressed and it's a happy, fruitful life.

Do you have a quality site or product that belongs in this guide? We are always happy to evaluate or review new products and websites. Feel free to contact us at the email address below and let us know about you. If you have a demo product you'd like us to look at, please contact us before sending anything. Thank you.


Review and Internet Guide Index:
Cell Phones:
- Apple iPhone Review
- iPhone Wallpaper
- Bluetooth Headsets

Computers and Internet:
- Amazon Kindle Review
- Apple MacBook Air Review
- Best Selling Wireless Routers

Household/DIY:
- Replacing a Furnace
- Most Popular Bread Makers
- Kitchenaid Mixers

Cars and Automobiles

Audio/Video Electronics
- Best 50" LCD TVs
- What is Tivo and how does it work?
- Flip MinoHD Review

Top-Rated Digital Cameras and Photos:
- Canon EOS 350D Digital Rebel XT DSLR
- Top HD Video Cameras
- Buying a Digital SLR Camera

MP3 Music, Players, Speakers:
- Top-Rated Headphones and Popular Earphones Rankings
- iPod Touch
- Free MP3 Music Downloads

Entertainment/Hobbies


Health & Fitness:
- Teeter Inversion Tables
- Recumbent Exercise Bikes
- Adjustable Dumbells Ratings

Finance
- Car Insurance Quotes
- Mortgage Payment Calculator
- Debt Consolidation

Travel
- Disneyland Hotel Guide
- Hotels and Lodging
- Top 10 Things to Do in New York

Fashion/Beauty

Sports and Outdoors

Send email to: galtemail (@) yahoo.com
Copyright (C) 1995-2010 Galt Technology, Inc.   Terms of Use    Privacy Statement