The Different Faces of Depression

 Depression Has a Few Faces

by one who visits the mental health pros.

I have been depressed for most of my life.  Basically, since I was four years old.  Luckily, most people needn't put up with it for that long.  A lot of people suffer what is called "situational depression."  This is depression that follows certain situations such as a bad break up, divorce, the loss of a friend to a move or even death.  Those are situations that bring up bouts of depression, and the length of time it is suffered depends upon the degree to which the depression is felt.  We do our best for friends and family who suffer such depressive episodes.  We try to help them ride it out to the end.  When there is a light at the end of the tunnel everyone feels better, and our friend or loved one begins escaping the darkness.  Many times, a good therapist can make this easier and maybe even faster.

Most of us have heard of seasonal depression.  It creeps up on us during the colder shorter days of winter.  Seasonal depression can stand alone, causing sadness to those people who suffer it.  However, it also can sneak up on those who have other kinds of depression making things worse.  Luckily, there are a few things that can help.  If you have the money a vacation in the tropics can add some relief.  If not, there are lamps that imitate the sun that can be used to ease the sadness.  I think taking a walk in the winter sun is a good answer.  Try to find what suits you and partake in it.

Postpartum depression is also out there.  I don't know a lot about it, but I do know it affected me badly after my child was born.  As with the other types of depression giving up is not an option.  If you are overwhelmed find help.  A good therapist (and maybe) medication can work wonders.  You will find yourself slowly but surely finding your way to a brighter place.  Look up this type of depression and see if you can't find helpful information.  It is one form of depression that is experienced by very many women.

There are long sessions of depression, and those that are over with more quickly.   We have all sorts of things to help us through from therapists to medication even paying attention to our pets can help.  I know people who hate the idea of being medicated for depression, but through time and trial and error I have found it to be something that has helped tremendously. Long-term depression is difficult, but there are periods that are more than getting through.  Don't give up and try everything you can to face depression down.  It may seem an impossibility to overcome it, but it's not.  Let me know what you do to face down your depression.

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