Depression can take many forms. The bottom line is that depression is a serious illness that involves the body, mind, and spirit. It affects the way we eat, sleep, how we feel about ourselves, and the way we think. A depressive disorder is not the same as a passing blue mood. It is not a sign of personal weakness or a condition that can be willed or wished away. People with a depressive illness cannot merely "pull themselves together" and get better. Without treatment, symptoms can last for weeks, months, or years. Appropriate treatment, however, can help most people who suffer from depression.
This statement paraphrases information from the National Institute of Mental Health's free and detailed booklet on depression. The booklet discusses all aspects of the illness, including symptoms, causes, and treatments, as well as information on getting help and coping.
You can view this booklet on-line by following the link below. The document is a "PDF" file (created in the "portable document format") and requires the free Adobe Reader to open it. If you do not already have the free Adobe Reader on your computer, you can easily get it by clicking here.
The topics covered are:
- Introduction
- What is a Depressive Disorder?
- Types of Depression
- Symptoms of Depression and Mania
- Causes of Depression
- Diagnostic Evaluation and Treatment
- Psychotherapies
- How to Help Yourself If You Are Depressed
- Where to Get Help
- Further Information
- References
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