Depression

By prism{HS}

Greetings Masters,
Greetings Mistresses,
Greetings slaves,

prism was talking to a friend the other day and she inspired this article.

Health can be a variety of things, and this month, she is writing on something to do with mental health.

Many people suffer from depression. Depression strikes people of all ages and backgrounds. prism has read that depressive disorders affect about 34 million American adults. Most are women.

prism pondered, why is it that she has met so many women in this lifestyle that are depressed? Or is it just women in general? What is going on that would cause someone to be that depressed? So she looked it up.

Depression as defined in Webster: ’an act of depressing or a state of being depressed : as a : a pressing down : LOWERING b (1) : a state of feeling sad : DEJECTION (2) : a psychoneurotic or psychotic disorder marked especially by sadness, inactivity, difficulty in thinking and concentration, a significant increase or decrease in appetite and time spent sleeping, feelings of dejection and hopelessness, and sometimes suicidal tendencies c (1) : a reduction in activity, amount, quality, or force (2) : a lowering of vitality or functional activity.’

One should learn to recognize the signs and symptoms; these may vary in each individual. Some signs of depression are:

Changes in appetite or weight
Changes in sleep patterns
Restlessness or decreased activity that others notice
Loss of energy or feeling tired all the time
Hard time concentrating or making decisions
Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
Repeated thoughts of death or suicide

Granted, this isn’t a determination for just anyone to make. A doctor must make this diagnosis. One can think they are depressed and have all the signs and symptoms, but you must go to a professional. Self-diagnosis is not a good thing. The symptoms should be serious enough to cause worry and to get in the way of the person’s work, social life, or daily life. Depressed people might also have problems with digestion, dry mouth, nausea, constipation and, less commonly, diarrhea. Being worried, anxious, or irritable all the time could also be hidden signs of depression.

Sometimes depression can be mis-diagnosed and sometimes not diagnosed at all. It’s normal for most people to experience “feeling down.” It’s when it last weeks, months, or even years, along with other symptoms, that a person should be concerned. Depression is not a sign of weakness or a character flaw. It’s a real medical condition. And there are ways for it to be treated.

Depression isn’t something that should be ignored. If you have friends or family that are feeling like this or talk of suicide, they need to get help. One can’t sugar coat things when talking to someone who is severely talking of suicide when depressed, but one also has to know when tough love stops and tenderness is needed.

prism had to make a very hard decision once with another friend. She knew her friend needed her support but she also knew she wasn’t going to let her friend get off easily. She wasn’t going to tell her friend, “It’s ok, prism is your friend, do what you have to do.” No way. Contemplating suicide may be something a depressed person may talk of to you. That’s a first sign of wanting help. If anyone feels this way or even thinks they are depressed or just need to talk, there are many support groups and people who will help people through all this.

If you can not find help or are afraid to find help or inquire, send prism an email. She will help you get in touch with people that can help you. Please remember, this one is NOT a licensed professional, she can just try to help you find the help you need.

Life is precious and so are the people in this world, no matter who or what they are.

Peace & well wishes!

prism

prism_hs@yahoo.com