Are you depressed ? Read this to see ....

[BipolarSupport]

Do you ever feel this way Depression is a "whole-body" illness, involving your body, mood, and thoughts. It affects the way you eat and sleep, the way you feel about yourself, and the way you think about things. A depressive disorder is not the same as a passing blue mood. It is not a sign of personal weakness or a condition that can be willed or wished away. People with a depressive illness cannot merely "pull themselves together" and get better. Without treatment, symptoms can last for weeks, months, or years. Appropriate treatment, however, can help most people who suffer from depression.  The symptoms of depression may vary from person to person, and also depend on the severity of the depression. Depression causes changes in thinking, feeling, behavior, and physical well-being.
Changes in Thinking - You may experience problems with concentration and decision making. Some people report difficulty with short term memory, forgetting things  all the  time. Negative thoughts and thinking are characteristic of depression. Pessimism, poor  self-esteem, excessive guilt, and self-criticism are all common. Some people  have  self-destructive thoughts during a more serious depression. Changes in Feelings - You may feel sad for no reason at all. Some people report that they  no longer enjoy activities that they once found pleasurable. You might lack motivation,  and become more apathetic. You might feel "slowed down" and tired all the time. Sometimes irritability is a problem, and you may have more difficulty controlling  your temper. In the extreme, depression is characterized by feelings of helplessness and hopelessness. Changes in Behavior - Changes in behavior during depression are reflective of the negative emotions being experienced. You might act more apathetic, because that's how  you feel.  Some people do not feel comfortable with other people, so social withdrawal is common. You may experience a dramatic change in appetite, either eating more  or less. Because of the chronic sadness, excessive crying is common. Some  people complain about everything, and act out their anger with temper outbursts. Sexual desire may disappear, resulting in lack of sexual activity. In the extreme,  people may neglect their personal appearance, even neglecting basic hygiene. Needless to say, someone who is this depressed does not do very much, so work productivity and household responsibilities suffer. Some people even have trouble  getting out of bed. Changes in Physical Well-being - We already talked about the negative emotional feelings experienced during depression, but these are coupled with negative physical emotions as well. Chronic fatigue, despite spending more time sleeping,  is common. Some people can't sleep, or don't sleep soundly. These individuals lay  awake for hours, or awaken many times during the night, and stare at the ceiling. Others sleep many hours, even most of the day, although they still feel tired. Many people lose their appetite, feel slowed down by depression, and complain of many  aches and pains. Others are restless, and can't sit still if you have any of these symptoms .... please check out our group .... we have a no drama policy ....you can open up in this group and not get bashed ... .all you will get is love and understanding from people who truly understand  how you feel ! just click the siggy below...

[Hollybabe]

Jan. 10, 2010 at 10:29 AM

Hello,
I am a member of this terrific group--only for a short time now, so I am speaking as a new member! I would like to elaborate on a couple things from the information Michele provided. In addition to... a depressive disorder is not a sign of personal weakness or a condition that can be willed or wished away, people with a depressive illness cannot merely "pull themselves together;" often friends and family who do not understand this, will say to you the famous words that all people who suffer from depression do not like to hear:  "just snap out of it!"  
And in addition to... without treatment, symptoms can last for weeks, months, or years. Appropriate treatment, however, can help most people who suffer from depression... for those people with mild depression, a change in lifestyle, such as exercising on a regular basis and/or talking with people who do understand may be helpful enough. On the other hand, those with severe depression, often need to see a doctor to be prescribed an antidepressant medication and/or for professional counseling. I think it is also worth mentioning that some people try to self-medicate, such as by drinking, which in the end, only makes the depression worse, due to the fact that alcohol is a depressant, NOT an antidepressant!
If you think you may be depressed, this group is one of THE BEST here at CafeMom; it provides both a lot of information and most importantly; friendly, understanding and supportive members!

[eeyoreplus4]

Jan. 10, 2010 at 11:16 AM

Sometimes just knowing that someone is there to talk to helps. We are here. Let us be a part of your support system. You will find true compassion & understanding in this group and absolutely no judging!

[roseandlove]

Jan. 10, 2010 at 11:36 AM

I love this group because noone judges you if you say anything wrong. they really listen to you!!! We are here to help you if you need a friend, someone to talk to.

[Candice844]

Jan. 10, 2010 at 12:21 PM

I have been a member of this group for a while now and I have received great support and advice. Along with not feeling alone in my bi-polar-manic depression state. My family and friends do not understand. Having women to talk to about how I am feeling is great, especially when they are just like me!!! No one judges, bashes or talks down to you, like most do who do not understand our mental illness.

So if you have depression or any other kind of mental illness, I strongly suggest you come and join us!!

[LauraMi261]

Jan. 10, 2010 at 10:42 PM

Thank you for posting this.

[Daemons_mommy]

Jan. 11, 2010 at 1:08 AM

Thank you for posting this. I have pretty much every single one of those signs of depression. I will be joining your group :)

[tootsie-roll]

Jan. 11, 2010 at 12:36 PM

yes i have severe depression...im on meds but wont be for long cuz i cant afford to go to the dr to get more meds...who knows what will happen to me when i run out...but im a mess now...everything is killing me...im not the same happy person...all i wanna do is sleep

[Ms.Maura]

Jan. 11, 2010 at 3:39 PM

ever since i had my daughter i have been very depressed.. this is something that has lasted me 3 years.. now before i had my daughter i will assume i was had like minor depression.. if that makes sense.. but i had alot of things to pull me out of it.. a job a car my own place.. but during my pregnancy i had alot of life changes.. and that made me sad but not depressed.. heres my problem now.. i have so much to be happy for and so much to motivate me AND IT DOESNT then i feel bad for my family because i feel so bad all the time and dont know why.. i lack motivation energy.. i feel bad about myself physically and emotionally.. i beat myself up about it all the time.. things that i used to enjoy i dont wana do.. all i wana do is sit at home and eat food.. but at the same time i feel like my life is passing me by and i so badly want to join in.. ive never seen a dr about it.. i dont have health insurance.. i dont really even know what to do.. so i try to act like nothings wrong 

[Mama0f3grlz]

Jan. 11, 2010 at 5:01 PM

I just wanted to thank you for posting this information, it's like someone looked in my window and described me to a T. I joined the group, it looks great. I'm glad to have someone to talk to who won't just say "oh it will get better" or ignore my feelings.

[patsysmyers]

Jan. 11, 2010 at 8:00 PM

I MY Husban  Died Feb 15 2008 and i cri all the time sleep most of the time Anne eat to munch