Depression
By Alanah
What is Depression?
Depression is a real illness that effects the way you feel, act, and think. It is more than just feeling "down," it's a disorder that comes from the changes the chemistry of your brain, environmental factors, worldview, or genetics. It is estimated that 21% of women and 12% of men in the United States will experience an episode of depression at some point in their lifetime.
What are the Symptoms of Depression?
Feelings:
Thoughts:
- Sadness
- Hopelessness
- Guilt
- Moodiness
- Angry outbursts
Thoughts:
- Trouble concentrating
- Trouble remembering
- Trouble making decisions
- Thoughts of harming yourself
- Hallucination can occur in severe cases
- Withdrawing from people
- Substance abuse
- Missing work or school
- Tiredness and lack of energy
- Unexplained aches
- Weight loss/gain
- Changes in sleep
- Changes in appetite
How Can You Treat Depression?
Psychotherapy and taking medications are all treatments of depression. Lifestyle changes like eating better, having better sleeping habits, and physical activity and stress reduction have also proven to help in managing the symptoms of depression.
How is the Nervous System and Depression Related?
Central nervous system depression is defined as a decreased neurological activity in the central nervous system, which is made up of the brain and spinal cord. CNS effects a persons' heart rate and their rate of breathing. This type of depression comes from taking certain drugs or drinking alcohol.
Jim Carrey and Depression
Determining the cause of Jim Carrey's depression is difficult, but it was likely because of his ADHD, his environment as a comedian and actor, his relationships, and his family problems. Carrey experienced major symptoms including anger, feelings of despair, and mood swings. It took awhile for him to overcome his depression but he did by avoiding drugs and alcohol use, accepting his life and moving on, having a spiritual experience, and staying busy.