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Welcome back. I hope the questionnaire provided a little insight as to whether you suffer from depression or not. If
you think you might suffer from deppression; this website is designed to give you a little more information on depression
and where to go for help. If you don't think you have depression; this website has a useful link for single mothers.
What is depression?
Depression is mental illness in which a person experiences deep, unshakable sadness and diminished interest in nearly
all activities. The term depression is also used to describe the temporary sadness, loneliness, or blues that everyone feels
from time to time. In contrast to normal sadness, severe depression, also called major depression, can dramatically impair a person’s ability to function in social situations and at work. People with major depression often have feelings of despair, hopelessness, and worthlessness, as well as thoughts of committing suicide.
Who suffers from it?
Anyone, regardless of age, gender, race, or socioeconomic status, can suffer from depression. It is estimated that 19
million Americans suffer from depression every year.
What causes depression?
The causes of depression are not always clear. It may be
caused by an event or for no apparent reason at all. Genes may also play a role by not providing your brain with enough serotonin.
The symptoms of depression may differ from person to person. Some symptoms may include a persistent sad mood, lack of pleasure
in activities, change in sleep or eating habits, or a feeling of worthlessness.
Who is more vulunerable
to depression?
Psychologists agree that stressful experiences can trigger depression in people who are predisposed
to the illness. For example, the death of a loved one may trigger depression. Psychologists usually distinguish true depression
from grief, a normal process of mourning a loved one who has died. Other stressful experiences may include divorce, pregnancy,
the loss of a job, and even childbirth. About 20 percent of women experience an episode of depression, known as postpartum
depression, after Giving birth. In addition, people with serious physical illnesses or disabilities often develop depression.
People who experience child abuse appear to be more vulnerable to depression than others. So, too, do people living under
chronically stressful conditions, such as single mothers with many children and little or no support from friends or relatives.
What kind of treatment is available?
Depression typically cannot be shaken or willed away. An episode must therefore run its course until it weakens either
on its own or with treatment. Depression can be treated effectively with antidepressant drugs, psychotherapy, or a combination
of both. Up to 70 percent of people with depression respond to antidepressant drugs. These medications appear to work by altering
the levels of serotonin, norepinephrine, and other neurotransmitters in the brain. They generally take at least two to three
weeks to become effective. Doctors cannot predict which type of antidepressant drug will work best for any particular person,
so depressed people may need to try several types. Antidepressant drugs are not addictive, but they may produce unwanted side
effects. To avoid relapse, people usually must continue taking the medication for several months after their symptoms improve.
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Below is a link to a study done on single mothers and depression. I gives the primary reasons why single moms are
depressed. It also has some great hints to help make our hectic lives a little easier.
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| It's hard balancing family and work/school! |
Here is a wonderful site ran by Dr. Jennifer Sowle. She has a PH.D in psychology,a MA in counseling, and a BS in
psycholohy and sociology. Her website talks about everything from depression and parenting to anger. She also offers free
confidental advice! All you have to do is ask your question, and she will get back with you.
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