When someone is suffering from major depression (commonly referred to as clinical depression) they are dealing with a disease much the same as someone who has diabetes. Scientific studies have shown that there is an irregular amount of chemical activity in the brains of persons suffering from clinical depression.
Most notable of this irregular chemical activity is a decreased amount of serotonin, a chemical messenger that transmits nerve signals between nerve cells. Changes in the serotonin levels in the brain can alter the mood. (see video)
Because of this it's important to understand that people suffering from major depression aren't able to just snap out of it, as sometimes is suggested. Just like any other disease or medical problem treatment is necessary to help us manage the effects of depression.
A popular misconception about people suffering from depression are moping around, always sad and unable to find joy in anything. On the contrary people with depression quite often are happy people with fun and humorous attitudes towards matters in life. The trouble is depression isn't about happiness.
Depression is a complex mood disorder that affects those suffering with it in various ways. Just as each of us are individuals so does it manifests itself differently in each person. Although there are common symptoms as indicators to depression not everyone will experience them the same way.
In order for people affected by major depression to get help and manage it we must understand that they are not just unhappy or sad people in need of a pick-me-up. They are struggling with a real disease that has impacted their ability to live productively in their lives.
The good news is that help and treatment is available and effective. So if you know someone who is struggling from the affects of major depression the best way to "cheer them up" is to get involved in their lives and help them find ways to getting these treatments so that they can overcome their disease.
If you are suffering from major depression, please, don't be afraid to reach out for help. It's not something that you can handle on your own and just get over it. The first step is to talk about it. Let someone know you need help.
Help and support for depression
- Depression 1on1 - 1on1 Health.com: Depression | Take charge of your health one step at a time
- Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance - Improving the lives of people living with mood disorders
- Depression and Creativity - A website where artists, psychologists and others talk about their perspectives on depression, bipolar, hypomania and anxiety, which often accompanies depression.
- Depression Fallout - Suport for those who are struggling with life with someone who is suffering from depressive disorders. Specializing in information and coping strategies for enabling the offering of more than just love and sympathy.
- Depression Screening Test - From Psych Central, an 18-question online automated quiz to help determine if you may need to see a mental health professional for diagnosis and treatment of depression.
- Depression: MedlinePlus - Information regarding depression and related topics provided by MedlinePlus.
- DepressionIsReal.org - Depression is real coalition. An organization to help educate the public about the true nature of depression, and to offer hope.
- Families For Depression Awareness - Nonprofit organization helping families recognize and cope with depressive disorders.
- U-M Depression Tookit - From the University of Michigan, an online guide to diagonis, treatment and recovery.
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