Feeling Down.Should I See a Doctor?
In an average year, thirteen to fourteen million people will suffer a depressive disorder. That is a very high statistic, equaling almost seven percent of the population. Of those that reported depression, ninety-seven percent said that it affected all aspects of their lives including home, relationships, and work. So how can you tell if you're suffering from depression, or just a fit of the blues?
First you need a definition of depression. A good one comes from the website www.dbsalliance.org: Depression is a treatable illness involving an imbalance of brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. But what does that mean? It means that the difference between the blues and real depression can be completely physiological.
This can be a relief to some who don't understand why they have been down for such an extended period of time, but it is also true that depressive episodes can be brought on by life crises or a build-up of stress as well. This disorder is more common in women, the elderly, and minorities, but no one is immune.
A good way to tell if what you're experiencing is depression or a mood is to check the symptoms.
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