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 Depression
The holidays are right around the corner. This time of year is filled with
the hustle and bustle of preparation and recalling the reason for the
season. Jesus Christ. However, for some, the holidays are not so joyful. The
loss of a loved one or a friend can cause a person to be melancholy during
this time of year. Other life circumstances such as loss of employment and
divorce can also lead to depression.
What is it?
Depression involves the body, mood, and thoughts. It can affect our eating
and sleeping patterns, how we feel about ourselves and how we perceive life
circumstances. Depression is not the same as having a "blue mood". It is not
a sign of weakness. Most depression is associated with an imbalance in
neurotransmitters (chemicals in the brain that help the brain function).
Imbalances in these neurotransmitters can be triggered by a number of
circumstances. Some of these include loss of a loved one, a stressful event,
a major illness, reactions to medications, alcohol and drug abuse, and a
reduction in sunlight (commonly called Seasonal Affective Disorder or SAD).
Imbalances can also be genetic.
Without treatment, symptoms can last for weeks, months, or years.
Appropriate treatment, however, can help most people who suffer from
depression. It is important for us to be aware if any of our friends
or family, or even ourselves, are experiencing depressed moods.
Here are some signs to look
for:
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