The following essay was written by Gabrielle Richard as an English project, and was not stolen. Please enjoy, and learn something new!
Major Depressive Disorder (Clinical Depression)
A constant sense of hopelessness and despair is a sign someone may have major depression, also known as clinical depression. Everyone has moments where they feel sad - when they fail a test or if they do not get something they want, or the grief felt when someone passes away. In this case, there is a trigger. When suffering from major depression, there is not a trigger. As well, it may be difficult to do daily activities such as work, study, sleep, eat, or to enjoy friends and hobbies. Some people may have clinical depression only once in their life, however, for most with the disorder, depressive episodes will randomly reoccur many times throughout their lifetime. Major depression can sometimes be hereditary, but also may occur to individuals with no family history of the illness. Additionally, depression is a mental illness caused by a chemical reaction in the brain. It truly is more than just having a bad day every now and again, nor is it a period of sadness or grief triggered by a small moment or event. Depression is reoccurring sadness and symptoms of depression that happen more days than not for a period of at least 2 weeks. Though often overlooked or underestimated due to the stigma surrounding it, major depressive disorder is a mental health issue with serious symptoms that can be hard to cure. Unfortunately, depression can be tricky to spot, as it is not always obvious. An excellent example is stated by marriage and family therapist Cynthia Lubow; Some people can totally fake it. They can smile and laugh; they can act like everyone else, even while they are in excruciating emotional pain. Occasionally people who can do this end up killing themselves, and no one can believe it. People who are depressed but act like they are fine may not confide in anyone. Usually they find a way to spend time alone crying or letting down the facade and then go back to acting when they have to be with people. As clearly stated above, many sufferers of depression must put in a large effort to maintain the happy, carefree image they have created of themselves, or try to distract themselves by immersing into school or work, when stereotypes typically expect them to fall behind or fail. Therefore, contrary to popular belief, students with depression can actually be stellar students. Many would like to believe that they would be able to notice if a friend or family member was dealing with something as significant as major depressive disorder. Unfortunately, a lot of people do not realize just how easy it is for these things to go undetected, even more so if the person stressed is attempting to hide how they feel. Lubow states this as well, saying “You may know someone who is depressed and not know they’re depressed. People may expect someone with depression to cry a lot, stay in bed all day, mope, or sound like Eeyore from Winnie the Pooh. But Depression isn’t always this obvious” (Lubow). An image of what is expected from people with depression often portrayed as the above, when the sufferers know it differently. It is believed that it would be recognizable if a person is unhappy or having problem, but in reality, the majority of people do not look past the outside facade to see what is going on underneath. As well, many fear telling others because only the few who have experienced it understand, and feel they would be called a liar because it was not obvious to the confidant. Rick Sparks, a sufferer from depression himself, states that “[Depression] can have subtle signs, which may make a person appear to have nothing wrong with them. … It is a hard condition to understand because it affects emotions. This makes it difficult for those unfamiliar with the disease to comprehend [depression] as a real illness” (Sparks). Depression is an illness of the mind, which is a reason that it has become so easy to hide from oblivious eyes. “How can anyone who hasn’t experienced it understand a pain that is as intense as any open-heart surgery without anesthesia, with no cuts or bruises to show?” (Lubow). Often, there are no physical signs that scream “depression!”, simply “...bleeding emotionally…” until it becomes more severe. This may lead to self-injury - cutting and burning of the skin, for example - and/or suicide (Chanda). Unfortunately, by this point, it could be too late to reverse many of depression's serious effects. Major depressive disorder, also known as clinical depression, is a specific depression diagnosis. In adolescents, it is often shrugged off as typical teen behaviour so therefore it is often overlooked, and the problem continues without resolution.It is a medical condition described as a combination of feelings of sadness, guilt, worthlessness and hopelessness and a lost interest in previously enjoyed activities. As well, Insomnia or hypersomnia, indecisiveness, the inability to concentrate, overeating or undereating and thoughts of death or suicide are the other common symptoms. These symptoms must persist daily for a period of at least two weeks (Chanda). The aforementioned symptoms, especially low self-esteem, low self-worth, and hopelessness, in a severe case, can lead to self-injury and suicide. Ultimately, these symptoms, both minor and major, can have a massive effect on the life of sufferers. Depressive disorders are often not easily cured. There is not a simple, quick fix. Often, a combination of medication, therapy, and other tactics are required to help treat someone suffering from depression. It is not appropriate to tell someone that they cannot be depressed because their life is good, or to just be happier. Major depressive disorder is an illness, it is not a personality trait or choice (TEDEducation). Depression can take control over thoughts, and it can be a battle to ignore the negative thoughts. “Positive thinking is important, but it’s often inadequate on its own when up against genetic or neurological factors” (Crash Course).Unfortunately, for many, they cannot find a cure that suits them personally. Each case of major depressive disorder is unique, and requires a unique treatment. Depressive disorders are confusingly complicated medical conditions, and it is unlikely that they can be with a lone cure. Alternately, depression just becomes something you learn to live with (Crash Course). Sadly, this is the reality for many people, as they are too nervous to open up about struggling with their mental health. Depression is a mental illness with rates constantly increasing; yet, many whom it is affecting are choosing to hide their emotions to put up the happy façade in order to be non-suspicious to others around them. Many do not want to be seen as someone who is “crazy”, “weird”, or they do not want to lose the positively portrayed image that their friends, family, and peers have of them. Unfortunately, many of the symptoms can have a dramatic impact on how they lead their life, and their self-worth. Depression often does not have a single cure, but requires multiple or even cannot be cured. Clearly, clinical depression is a serious mental illness that often slips under the radar, but with raised awareness of the signs, symptoms, and effects, it can be spotted and helped. |