Depression

Depression Speech.

We all get the blues sometimes, but when those bad feelings hang on for weeks or even months, it's probably more than a response to the ordinary hard times that everyone goes through in life, It may be an illness called Depression says “Teen Health and Wellness”, edited by Jan S. Hittelman published April 2012. Depression is when someone feels sad, discouraged, hopeless, exhausted, and alone for a long period of time. Depression is the second largest killer in the United States. About 1 in every 8 american teens suffer from Depression. Today I’m going to talk about who depression can happen to, the different types of depression, and How to tell if someone has depression and how to get help for them.

Depression can happen to anyone, It can happen to preschoolers, children, teenagers, young women, young men, and also elderly people. It can also easily happen to famous people. For example Abraham Lincoln, Mike Wallace,Sylvia Plath, Winston Churchill, Georgia O'keeffe, Janet Jackson, A.J. McLean, Kurt Cobain, Gerard Way, Mark Twain, and even Disney Channel Star Demi Lovato have suffered from some sort of depression. When someone is depressed it doesn’t just affect them. It can affect everyone around them too. According to The National Institute of Mental Health, published May 10th 2012, children and spouses around depression suffer almost as much as the depressed person does, although in very different ways. Children don’t always understand what is happening if they have a depressed parent. Often times they become frightened and fear their parents safety. Spouses often feel neglected, They fell as if they have to take on a lot more responsibility. Also people who suffer from depression usually start to fail in the working world. They become unable to meet requirements, they get frustrated and usually end up quitting or getting fired. They also get distanced from their co-workers. When someones depressed they don't usually tell their friends, they suddenly start acting moody and they are unpleasant to be around. Says ehow.com published in 2012 by Kimberly Ripley, So the friend looses interest and doesnt want to put up with the depressed friend. Therefore they could potentially start to lose some friends. Depression is remarkably common actually. About 15% of the United States adult population suffers from depression at some time. Another 5% experience mild symptoms or feel down. Experts say that 70% of people treated for depression will experience the illness again. One out of every 3 people who have suffered from it, never have a problem with it again. Another statistic according too heupliftprogram.com published March, 6th 2011. is that depressive disorders affect approximately 18.8 million American adults or about 9.5% of the U.S. population age 18 and older in a given year. Four percent (over a million) Preschoolers are depressed. 24% of children are depressed.30% of Women are depressed. and 15% of people that are depressed will commit suicide. Depression can happen to anyone. Studies show that everyone in their life will be affected somehow by depression, wheather its their life or someone elses.

There are several different types of depression varying from very mild, to Extreme. To start, there is Reactive Depression, which is a temporary depression. Reactive Depression is usually caused by specifically hard life situation. It can last anywhere from 2 weeks to 6 months. There is also major depression. This is definitely one of the most serious types of depression, it causes people to be unable to function, and to commit suicide. Often it comes in cycles meaning someone might get over it for a short period of time, but then it will randomly come back. It is always recommended that the person suffering should get immediate help from a doctor before the condition gets out of hand. Moreover, Dysthymia is described as a chronically depressed mood that isnt quite as severe as Major depression but it does last a bit longer. Also, there is bipolar disorder which mostly everyone has probably heard of before, but it is also a form of depression. People will usually start developing signs like being hyper, going on shopping sprees, and getting little sleep. Usually, that ends up with them crashing into depression. Next is Atypical depression. This is a Very mild form of depression. A person with Atypical depression could often feel very depressed for several days but then be fine for a while. Furthermore, Women who have recently given birth and have enormous hormonal changes may suffer with postpartum depression. Postpartum depression takes place when a mother is struggling with caring for an infant, and is having many challenges. About 15% of mothers have this form of depression. And finally there is Seasonal Affective Disorder also, called “winter blues” It is a physiological and physical reaction to the lack of sunlight. It usually starts in late autumn and ends in early spring. It is most common in greenland far from the equator.

Depression not only affects a person mentally but it also affects them physically.There are many things to look for if someone is suspected of suffering from depression. First, depression can lead to cutting oneself and eating disorders, Another warning sign for depression could be the lack of sleep or the reverse, to much sleep. ff Also if the person can’t concentrate or find that previous easy tasks are now difficult. Also, They could feel worthless and hopeless People who suffer from depression can’t control negative thoughts, no matter how much they try. Also if they start having sucidal thoughts. A person can get the help they need by telling a counselor, therapist, or doctor as soon as symptoms are noticed. People often overlook depression because many symptoms hide it. People can feel hopeless, helpless worthless and worst of all alone. They also will feel trapped by their troubles and become withdrawn. ,Anyone with depression should let someone know right away so they can get the help they need.
All in all, depression is a very serious topic. Today I have talked about who depression can happen to, the different types of depression, and How to know if someone has depression and how they can get help .