To remain within length guidelines for suite101.com it will be necessary to divide these illnesses into at least two articles, one directly following the next. By the time we have looked at all three of them we should have a better understanding about what constitutes major mental illness, the advances that have been made in treatment and the hope promised for stabilization and eventual cure.
To begin this series we will begin with major depression, one of the most common problems of the mind.
Depression
Major depression is a mental disorder chararcterized by a depressed mood or a loss of interest of pleasure in usual activites that persists for two weeks or longer. In addition the presence of changes in some (or many) of the following areas are noted in major depression:
Mood: sad, empty, hopless, apathetic, worried, irritable
Thinking: poor concentration, low self esteem, indecisiveness, preoccupation with death, thoughts of suicide, guilt etc
Behavior: slowed down or restless, crying, social withdrawl, siucidal acts
Physical: appetite decreased or increased, disturbed sleep, weight loss or gain, decreased sexual drive, digestive problems and fatigue.
In a poll taken by the National Mental Health Association, 43% of those surveyed said that they believed depression was a personal or emotional weakness rather than an illness. As a result of this thinking, fewer than one in three depressed people ever seek treatment. They choose to blame thenselves, famly members, friends or circumstances for their depressed feelings. They are wrong. Depression is a highly treatable disorder. In fact, the sooner depression is diagnosed and treatment begun, the brighter the long term outlook. With treatment, as many as 80% of those suffering with depression improve sigificantly within a few months.
TYPES of MAJOR DEPRESSION
Major depression can be classified as mild, moderate or severe. Mild depression involves a mininum number of symtoms (five are required for diagnoses). There is little interference with work or social functioning.
Moderate depression presents more symptoms and greater impairment of daily life.
In severe depression symtoms are increased both in number and severity, and take a much greater toll on the ability to function socially and at work. In extreme cases depressives are unable to work or feed, clothe or provide basic hygiene for themselves.
