By John Duggan SOME BASICS Clinical depressions fall into the caregory of mental health conditions called "mood disorders." There are many types of depressions, each with it's own signs, symptoms, root causes and treatment. Anyone may experience mood disorders (such as a form of clinical depression). Yes, anyone ... and that includes you and me. Don't stop reading now ... there's great hope for treatment! Some folks, describe "depression" as the "common cold" of mental health. This is not meant to trivialize the experience of clinical depression. This analogy, in my interpretation, suggests that mood disorders are common experiences in our culture. Nobody "catches" depression, the mode that viruses or bacterial infections are transmitted. There are some factors which increase vulnerability. This article explores a few, explaining why self-care, social support and life-style balance are important factors to promote wellness. AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY DIS-EASE Depression does not discriminate. Anyone may experience a mood disorder. Factors such as ethnicity, education, income, and interpersonal relationships are variables in the "big equation." These factors (like many others) influence one's capacity for emotional and physical wellness -- yet no single variable / experience determines it. For along while, clinicians believed the major forms of depression affected slightly more women than men. Research now suggests that mood disorders, such as clinical depressions, are "equal oportunity" experiences. Men are equally vulnerable: the signs and symptoms differ from person to person, based on genetics, life-experience, gender, type of depression, age, etc. In response to the growing number of men who faiedl to receive any form of adequate assessment and treatment, the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) created a public service campaign for men. This campaign offers resources, real-life tales and support to encourage men (and those who love them) to examine signs and symptoms of depressive experiences. The campaign, entitled "Real Men, Real Depression," is an excellent program ... exploring the lives of men who brave social stigma, perceived shame and fear in order to seek treatment and recovery. NATURE AND NURTUE Some researchers believe that individuals with a history of emotional and sexual abuse or economic deprivation, or who are dependent on others, are especially vulnerable to depression. In future articles, we'll explore how "minority stress,' over-working or diminished self-care may increase ones' vulnerability to developing a form of depression. There also seems to be a genetic link: depression is more common among parents, children, and siblings of people diagnosed with depression. The average age at which a depressive episode first occurs is in the mid-20s, although this is not "set in stone." People born more recently are being diagnosed at a younger age. SO WHAT (DOES THIS MEAN)? Experiences of stress, trauma, status as a cultural minority, genetics, diet collectively influence our mental and physical wellness. These factors influence the functioning of our body, right down to the ability of our immune system to remain vital and responsive. Most members of our society do not experience physical exertion; therefore, low-grade stressors and lack-of-rest (sleep hygiene) are common experiences. Lack of knowledge of resources or fear of stigma (or perhaps good old denial) are serious issues. Following an "inner desire" to alievate emotional distress associated with depression, many individuals turn to "self medicating" behaviors. uch behaviors include: diet (eating sweets, excessive carbs), alcohol (depressants), social isolation, diminished sleep or sexual habits, or craving tobbacco, niccotine and other substances (stimulants). There are several logical reasons why a person turns these coping stategies (psychological, biological, social, and other reasons beyond the socope of this article). In the end; however, none of these behaviors are comprehesive mental health interventions. Unknowingly, they typically make our physical and emotional health worse. A viscious cycle may develop: "self coping strategies" back-fire and become substance dependence / abuse, eating or sleeping disorders. This becomes an additional physical/emotional disorder which must be treated concurrently with the underlying clinical depression. If you or I frequently relapse into cycles of any form of clinical depression without appropriate treatment, our capacity for a quicker, more comprehensive recovery diminishes. Why? Like any other health condition, earlier intervention, assessment and proper treatment is essential. Early intervention reduces the potential risk for relapse and typically minimizes additional health risks (called "comorbid factors," such as dependency or abuse of substances). CONCLUSION Depression affects thousands of people in the United States. It is always troubling, yet for some people it can be severely disabling. Depression is more than just sadness or the blues; it can impact nearly every aspect of a persons life. People who suffer from it may experience despair and worthlessness, feelings that can greatly influence both personal and professional relationships. Many of the factors which evoke depression are described, and strategies for preventing depression are explored. When a person suffers from depression, it can affect every part of his/her life, including ones physical body, behavior, thought processes, mood, ability to relate to others, and general lifestyle. Many folks report body aches, insomnia, lack of interest and difficulty with decisions. "Creative Coping" is a series of mental wellness articles written and distributed by www.dcDiversity.com. This series is dedicated to our human capacity for resiliency, wellness and transformation. Learn about "Mindfulness Recovery for Mood Disorders," "Paths to Wellness," and discover how to "Create a Recovery Program" in future articles! www.dcDiversity.com Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_Duggan http://EzineArticles.com/?Creative-Coping---Who-Becomes-Depressed?&id=237640 houston bad credit bankruptcy car loan
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