Depression: Disease or Decision?

Is depression a disease or a choice? Many people assume it is a choice. They however do so based not upon facts, but rather on misinformation. For example,depression is often accompanied by other illnesses. (Bipolar one & two being the most prevalent of these.)

Many people however associate depressed as simply sad. Depression however goes much deeper than that. It, unlike simple sadness which passes quickly, can affect all aspects of a person's daily life.

How does depression affect daily lives?

This is a good question. To Answer it, I will give examples from recent interviews taken from aquaintences,family and friends who suffer from this issue on a regular basis. Now,Circumstancially speaking, everyone at some point in life has "depression". Clinical depression however is a very different thing.

"Mood swings and social anxiety are two major aspects of my depression, I don't like going out in public places" That's what my mother Brenda had to say when I asked her about how it affects her life. Each person, while they may have certain tell-tale symptoms varies in the severity and causes of their depression. For some, tragedies or other trauma may trigger their depression. For others, it may be a chronic constant thing.

My mother's friend Georgine said "It makes you feel alienated,it screws with your social functioning, makes you not want to be around people" Depression affects people, relationships,and often professional lives.

There are some key symptoms to look for

1. Changes in mood (as in becoming distant or easily irritable or upset)
2. Withdrawal evasive behavior when confronted with a social situation
3. Lack of interest in former hobbies or past times

These are however just a few tell-tell signs, if you think you or a loved one might suffer from depression, see a doctor immediately before it worsens.