Depression

1. How can one get treatment?
The most common medications used in treating depressive illness are cyclic antidepressants and inhibitors. All treatments can have side effects. Over 80% of people treated with medication respond favorably. It is also recommended that people receive counseling or psychotherapy as well. A person must talk to their health care provider for more information about each of these treatments.

2. How can I tell if someone has depression? What can I do?
The most common symptoms of depression follow:
- Loss of energy and interest
- Diminished ability to enjoy oneself
- Decreased, or increased sleeping or appetite
- Difficulty in concentrating; indecisiveness; slowed or fuzzy thinking
- Exaggerated feelings of sadness, hopelessness or anxiety
- Feelings of worthlessness
- Recurring thoughts about death or suicide

If someone you know has these then you should try to get them help. Sit down and talk with them one on one. Each person is different and how you decide to approach your friend/family member depends on how you think they will react. The main objective in talking to them is to try to get them the counseling or treatment they need to feel better about them.

3. What is Bipolar Disorder?
Bipolar Disorder is the medical name for manic depression. It is a mental illness that can also be described as a brain disorder. People with Bipolar Disorder suffer from extreme mood swings and changes in behavior. Some people have mild manias, others experience wilder ones. Some have depressions that are deep and long lasting while others have brief depressions. In some extreme cases, Bipolar disorder symptoms can include hallucinations.
If you want to know more go to http://www.medicalandnursing-training.com

4. What are some organizations where I can get help?
The National Foundation for Depressive Illness Inc.
1-800-248-4344 provides information on depression and manic depression and a nationwide referral lost of medical centers and physicians who specialize in the treatment of depressive illness.

www.depressionalliance.org
www.nimh.nih.gov/publicat/depressionmenu.cfm
www.enterthefreudianslip.com/music_therapy_and_depression.htm