What is clinical
depression?
Clinical depression is a medical illness that attacks both the mind and the
body. It may be far more complex an illness than most people recognize.
Depression can cause significant chemical changes to the brain that may make
it difficult for many people to overcome without some kind of
professional help or treatment.
Depression is not the same as feeling blue or sad — those
feelings are a normal part of life. In clinical depression, people feel bad
for prolonged periods of time — weeks or months. People who are depressed
often find it difficult to concentrate. Sometimes they feel like they are on
an emotional roller coaster, sometimes they have trouble getting sad or
anxious thoughts out of their minds, and sometimes they just have no energy
at all.
Depressed people sometimes have significant weight changes,
either up or down. They may have difficulty sleeping, especially in the
early morning, or may sleep more than usual. Sexual interest
may also decrease.
Untreated, depression can last for months or even years. It
may resolve by itself, but it often reoccurs. With treatment, those who
suffer from depression often report significant relief within 4-6 weeks.
Many depressed people feel that they could
'snap out of it' if only they could work things out in their
head. That's unrealistic. Depression is an illness. Just as
people with AIDS or cancer cannot 'snap out of' their
illness, people suffering from depression cannot will
themselves to recover.
Peter Shalit, M.D., Ph.D.
For more information:
Top of Page |
Q & A
What is clinical
depression?
Is clinical depression
treatable?
Depression and suicide
Tips for handling depression
What to do if someone you love is depressed
Who is at risk for clinical depression?
Depression screening questionnaires
Other types of emotional and mental health problems
|
