It is estimated that some 121 million people suffer from depression around with world. With such a staggering and alarming number of people struggling with this disease on a daily basis, I thought it was important to shed a little light on the subject. Believe it or not, most studies show that those in the Southeast states are more prone to suffer from depression than the preconceived states such as Washington, New York and Illinois. Having experienced depression personally in my life, I can say that finding the best way to deal with this disease is important to living a productive and healthy life.

Depression and Health Risks

Additional factors of depression often accompany other health risks such as obesity, heart disease, strokes, sleeping disorders, and a lack of education. With the ongoing stress of day to day life, hefty debt issues, and on-going struggles of making ends meet, most individuals who are lower income, have less access to health insurance and services, and lack the proper education to land a well paying, stable job are most affected.

Gender Statistics

It is also reported that on average, women suffer more from depression then men. With 1 in 10 Americans suffering from depression at some point in their life, that means that statistically speaking, you know several people who are suffering from the disease. That being said, make sure you are fully aware and supportive of your friends, family or spouse when they are feeling down, struggling with a life situation or seem unmotivated. After all, when they are in this state of mind, that is when they need you the most.

Signs of Depression

So how do I know if I suffer from depression? There are several key indicators that you can identify:

  • Difficult Sleeping or Staying Asleep
  • Hard to Concentrate
  • Feeling of Hopelessness
  • Feeling of Dread
  • Feeling Fatigued
  • Unmotivated
  • Increased Irritability

While these indicators are not the end all be all of depression, they can give you enough information to work with and speak to your doctor about the possibility of depression. One thing I can say, is that if you are suffering from depression, please take your well being seriously and speak to your doctor. When I finally admitted that I might be depressed and began a treatment, my whole world changed for the better.

Depression Treatments

There are countless ways to treat depression and by speaking with your doctor about the best treatment plan for your personal situation is key. With choices such as exercise programs, prescriptions, therapy sessions, goal therapy and so much more, you don’t have to settle for the stigmata of a pill popper. Working with your doctor can open up a plethora of options to help you feel better about yourself and life situations allowing you to become the productive, engaging and energetic person you want to be.

Depression is a disease, and like all diseases it takes careful treatment and on-going support. One of the biggest obstacles of treating depression is not having a proper caring and supportive family or group. If you are struggling with depression and don’t have this important aspect of your treatment, then please ask your doctor about support groups to give you the opportunity to be surrounded by individuals who can understand, relate and support you during your treatment. Depression does not have to dictate your life and can be managed through healthy treatment programs allowing you to feel great again. If you are suffering from depression, or you think someone you know may be suffering, don’t feel ashamed or embarrassed to learn more about the disease and find the right solution for your own personal well being.

 

 

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