When people discuss bi-polar disorder they refer to a condition known as manic depression. This is associated with unusual and quick switches from a good mood to a sour mood, when someone says wow, they’re bi-polar. This is a type of depression. Manic depression isn’t just having negative feelings over a negative event. Manic depression is far more sinister. The diagnosis of being Bi-Polar is just another stage of the disease of depression. Millions of people in the United States are diagnosed with Manic Depression every year. Depression of some form touches 17 million Americans annually.
Unfortunately only about1/3 of those will be diagnosed and receive help. When the sufferer refuses aid, there can be no cure. Many Americans are hesitant to confront a disease that is categorized as a mental illness. The negative image of someone who is nuts is just too much for them. Diseases that affect the brain have always been very complicated. The stigma of a diagnosis is a hard pill to swallow. However, as with any form of depression, the affliction does not make you less a person. It doesn’t mean you’re insane. You have a condition like any other medical condition. It can be treated. First it has to be identified.
All forms of depression are still being studied by doctors and researchers. There are many factors that bring on depression. Doctors take into consideration many things such as biological factors, the environment, and DNA. It’s well known that a chemical imbalance can contribute. Depression is also brought about by stress. Life is full of stress. Work related issues or the dynamics of a dysfunctional family can create it. Depression knows no bounds. Both the rich and the poor contract it. It doesn’t care about race. No color or nationality is free from this illness.
The symptoms for all forms of depression are quite similar. Dramatic shifts in personality and up and down mood swings are some. Depression can result in insomnia. Helpless feelings, or feelings that the future holds no hope are signs. Depression is real when it interferes with your ability to live your life. But people with depression have a light at the end of the tunnel. Help is available. Prescription medications as well as natural herbs can cure it. Psychotherapy can also help. There are also many support groups that will help you deal with the disease. The first step in the cure is seeking the assistance.
