¶ … depression has been known as a "result when individuals forfeit their personal power." (Depression: A Multimedia Sourcebook, p.1) It also has been described in ancient times as "... [an] affliction [that] laid its cause to supernatural intervention, primarily religious in nature. (Ainsworth, p. 48) In the Hindu depression was noted as a struggle between good and evil in which evil would win and "victimize individual humans." (Ainsworth, p.48) In texts from Babylonia and Egypt, gods punished transgressions in the hearts of people and placed on them the depressive curse. The early Hebrew texts allude to the belief that depression in humans reflects the displeasure of Yahweh.
But according to up-to-the-date research, we know that depression is an "innocuous-sounding word... that refers to a potentially disabling illness that affects many but is understood by few." (Ainsworth p.1) Professor Patricia Ainsworth, a leading psychologist on depression, further explains that sufferers often do not realize the nature of their despair until they are so devastated that they can no longer help themselves. She continues:
The reason is simple. Depression is a sneak thief, slipping into a life gradually and robbing it of meaning, one loss at a time. The losses are imperceptible at first, but eventually weigh so heavily that the person's life becomes empty.
Once begun, the course...
Depression and Internet Usage Internet Paradox: A Social Technology That Reduces Social Involvement and Psychological Well-Being? With the advent of the World Wide Web, a network of computers previously relegated to the world of science, engineering, and business opened to U.S. And international households. By 1998, approximately 40% of all households owned at least one computer and one third of these homes had access to the Internet. Many sociologists, communication theorists, technologists, and
Depression in the Elderly Although many of the elderly citizens in the United States in the future will enjoy better health than in years past, many will still suffer from various age-related healthcare and mental health problems as they grow older that may contribute to the development of depressive disorders. In fact, older people in particular have a number of factors working against them that appear to contribute to the incidence
Depression, Diabetes and Obesity This is a case study on a 58-year-old male, Mr. H.Y. who worked at a supermarket and is now retired. He has a supportive wife who works full time and children who are all independent .He has a history of smoking, but quit 10 years ago and drinks alcohol twice a week. He is obese and a known case of diabetes for one year. He has gained
Caffeine dependency/addiction may contribute to "insomnia, digestive disorders, gastric irritation, headaches, as well as exacerbated PMS symptoms and emotional irritability," (Hunt, 1999) each potential components of depression. To counter the need for a caffeine "fix," gradually introduction decaf as substitute, albeit decaf also has between 2 and 33 milligrams (mg.) caffeine per 8-ounce serving. Full-strength coffee has 145 to 272 mg.. A person may also substitute herbal drinks or drink peppermint
Third, economic depressions spread from one nation to others whereas economic recessions remain substantially isolated where they first occur and they are eased partially by the strength of national economies elsewhere. Finally, contemporary analyses of economic downturns suggest that distortions to industrial labor markets that keep wages above market-clearing levels are more significant than even bank failures (Ohanian, 2010). Recommendations and Conclusion It is recommended that public statements on the matter
Even in persons with full-blown depression, such alterations of negative life patterns can be helpful. Although "depression can be treated in a variety of ways," either with antidepressant medications or counseling, "most people benefit from a combination of the two. Some studies have shown that antidepressant drug therapy combined with psychotherapy appears to have better results than either therapy alone. ("Major Depression," 2006, Medline Plus Encyclopedia) The most common medications
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