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Part 1: What is a Depressive Disorder?
It’s not “just in your head.” A depressive disorder is a genuine mind-body experience. It can wreak havoc on emotions, motivation, interest, concentration, memory, appetite, sleep and movement, as well as your thought process about yourself and the world. Depression can even cause or intensify medical symptoms.
A depression is much more than the “down week” all of us experience now and then. Nor should depression be confused with appropriate grief reactions to loss. It’s usually not simply a matter of pulling yourself up by your bootstraps and putting a smile on your face. If left untreated, depression can last for a long time and leave devastation in its wake.
Depressions vary among individuals in terms of symptoms, severity and recurrence. Some individuals experience depression only once. Others become depressed several times, some regularly at certain times of the year (especially autumn and winter). Some experience incapacitating mood swings from depression to elation or mania. Some people manage to get over depression by their own devices; many others need the right kind of help.
With appropriate treatment, over 80 percent of all depressed people can be helped.
If you believe you have symptoms of depression, contact a psychologist and/or psychiatrist for diagnosis and treatment. Also contact your medical doctor to help determine whether there are medical causes for your symptoms. |
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Copyright 1999. Geraldine Merola Barton, Ph.D. All rights reserved. |
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All information on this web site is intended for your general knowledge only and is not a substitute for medical, psychological or psychiatric advice or treatment for specific conditions. You should seek prompt care for any specific medical or mental health issues. |
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Clinical Psychologist |
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Focus On: Depression |
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Contact Dr. Barton: 159 Green Street Phone 845-338-3250 Kingston, NY 12401 email: drgmbarton@drgmbarton.com
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Geraldine Merola Barton, Ph.D. |