By Staff
Question of the week: This seems to be the time of year when many people are depressed and stressed out. Could you please explain what depression and stress are defined as and give some examples of what to look for in each.
Depression can come in many forms. This time of the year when the winter blues set in is a high time for depression and stress. It can be a temporary mood or in many cases last many years. Depression can occur for many reasons, a chemical imbalance in the brain, loss of a loved one, fears, loneliness, unsatisfied with self, tragic occurrence in life (divorce, separation, illness), etc… General definition: emotional state in which there are extreme feelings of sadness, dejection, worthlessness, and emptiness.
Depression (statistics):
Signs of major depression – you may experience five or more of these lasting for two weeks:
Stress: A feeling of tension that is both emotional and physical. Stress can occur in many different situations. Sometimes the level of stress is little. Maybe you have been putting off something and now it needs to be done so you feel a little "stressed out" to finish it on time. Sometimes stress can lead to much bigger problems. Many people are very high stressed. These are usually more of the type "A" -- constantly-on-the-go, never-have-a-minute-to-rest type of people where almost every situation tends to stress them out. Too much stress can lead to many health problems and is something that needs to be controlled.
Possible Signs of Stress:
How to Cope With Stress:
Hopefully this information will give an insight to depression and stress and help loved ones and ourselves be aware and prevent this from occurring especially this time of the year.
Thought of the week: The great omission in American life is solitude; that zone of time and space, free from the outside pressures, which incinerate the spirit. – Marya Mannes