If I’m such a legend, why am I so lonely? - Judy Garland
by KC Kelly, Ph.D., LMHC
Everyone feels down and sad, probably more often than they would like. The stressors of everyday life in our busy, hectic world, make feeling this way very common. If, however, you have feelings of hopelessness and helplessness, more often than not, you do not know why you are feeling this way, and can not seem to pull yourself out of it to the point where it affects your everyday life, you may be suffering with clinical depression. Depression is a serious medical condition that effects both the mind AND the body. Many of the symptoms of depression are mental, but because the mind and body are connected, many physical symptoms appear as well.
Depression can be all encompassing causing great lifestyle changes. A person suffering with depression may have difficulties at work, difficulties at school, difficulties with professional and person relationships, and may not even want to leave his or her bed. They have extremely low self esteem and think the worst of themselves in all aspects. They tend to isolate themselves from everyone and everything around them and may even feel as though there is no hope and no reason to live.
What Depression IS:
*The leading cause of substance abuse (either drugs or alcohol) as well as suicide.
*A mental condition that can strike anyone of any age, race, gender, or ethnicity.
*A very treatable condition given the proper therapeutic intervention and/or medication.
What Depression IS NOT:
*A condition to be taken lightly.
*A sign of personal weakness.
*The fault of the person suffering.
Symptoms of Depression Include:
*Sadness, feeling low or blue, irritability
*Feelings of hopelessness, helplessness, worthlessness
*Difficulty concentrating
*Changes in appetite including overeating or under eating
*Difficulty sleeping
*Feelings of fatigue
*Persistent physical symptoms such as headaches, digestive difficulties, chronic pain
*Thought of death or suicide
*Suicidal attempts
Statistical information reported on this page was obtained from The National Institute of Mental Health: http://www.nimh.nih.gov
If you think you may be suffering with any of these symptoms, or would just like to talk with a professional in a caring and completely confidential way, you can visit Dr. KC at www.DOCintheBiz.com where you will be able to email her for private and confidential help from your own home! You will never be made to leave your house or comfort zone.
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Dr. Nicole Sundene is the editor-in-chief of Kitchen Table Medicine. A graduate of Western Washington University for her undergraduate degree, and Bastyr University for her Naturopathic Physician degree, she also spent eight years working as a Medical Assistant for the world renowned leading institute Virginia Mason Medical Center. Throughout her education she had the invaluable opportunity to work side by side with many talented physicians specializing in Family Practice, Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Otolaryngology, Cardiology, Dermatology, Urology, and Urgent Care. Her alternative medicine education along with training at Virginia Mason combined with the many years spent talking to patients as a telephone triage “nurse” have given her a diverse perspective on health care in America.
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