problems. Depression is associated with changes in substances in the brain (neurotransmitters) that help nerve cells communicate, such as serotonin dopamine and norepinephrine.(Elliott 2003) The level of these neurotransmitters can be influenced by a number of things, including physical illnesses, genetics, personality, substance abuse, diet hormonal changes, medication, aging, brain injuries, seasonal/light cycle changes, and social circumstances meaning the lack of support. We must realize that depression is a neurotic and psychotic disorder implied by sadness, inactivity, difficulty in thinking and concentration, a significant increase or decreased in appetite and time spent sleeping, feelings of dejection and hopelessness, and sometimes suicidal tendencies. Probably the most common psychiatric complaint depression has been described by physicians from at least the time of Hippocrates who called it melancholia (Menirth 232).Its course is
extremely variable from person to person; it may be fleeting or permanent, mild or severe.
Depression is more common in woman than men. The rates of incidence increase with age in men, while the peak for women is between the ages of 35 and 45 (Menirth 235), Its causes can be both psychosocial the loss of a loved one and biochemical chiefly reduced quantities of the monoamines nor epinephrine and serotonin. Treatment is usually a combination of psychotherapy and drug therapy. A person who experiences alternating states of depression and extreme elation is said to also suffer from bipolar disorder. Everybody feels sad sometimes but to be clinically depressed is not just a matter of feeling sad. A patient with cancer is diagnosed as having major depression only if certain symptoms such as loss pleasure or thoughts of death are present for at least a couple weeks. Only a healthcare professional can accurately determine whether a patient is depressed or is simply upset because of the disease. Doctors and nurses can do a great deal to help a depressed person feel better. Being embarrassed can get in the way of the patient's getting help. While depression is a disease that happens to a minority of people, it does appear in a sizable number of these people (Yapko 146). Doctors and nurses are trained to deal with depression in people. If one out of eight people with depression, it is no surprise to healthcare professionals that some patients require treatment for depression. It is not bothering a good healthcare professional to let them know that the patient is experiencing some symptoms that may signal depression. Competent doctors and nurses will not think less of a patient who is depression. Cooperative patients are not those who hide depression but those who deal with depression when it appears. Doctors and nurses respect the patient who acknowledges the willingness to seek and accept treatment for depression. Dealing honestly and with the aid of doctors and allied healthcare professionals is the right way to address depression related symptoms untreated depression or inadequately treated depression may slow recovery time. A study of colorectal people found they are not able to function as well when they are burden with depression. It is more likely when a person has pain and that pain goes untreated and is not treated appropriately, people may be more likely to develop severe case of depression (Yapko 161). Depression appears gradually. At first a person seems more than sad; they feel at loss of someone or something. For many people things never get worse than this and true depression never touches them. However, other people progress to where negative thought have a grip upon them. How the depression shows itself may differ from person to person. Some people starts to respond to little setback as though these catastrophes. Other people start making big assumptions usually in negative directions. Some may feel their current therapy will not help them, even though there is good medical evidence that it probably will. They may blame themselves for having depressing thoughts. They may think other people have negative feelings about them, or they may focus upon the negative portions of situations. One change that booming depression may encourage other people to push away and alginate those health professional, friend, and family members who are trying to be helpful. A depressed person may deny the serious side effects of being depressed. It is important for people to have an idea of the psychological and social stressors they may have to address because of depression. Knowing in advance that something may be a problem is a good way of making sure that it is not quite as stressful once it does appear as it otherwise would be. People, their families, and close friends should be able to recognize the most important signs and symptoms of depressions and should know which healthcare professional to call should depression appear. No one except a professional is capable of accurately diagnosing depression. It is a good idea to try to develop an honest relationship with a healthcare professional you trust. The most important is that study has shown that depression in cancer patients can be successfully treated. It is important to understand that this problem probably can get better. Several different approaches to treatment can be taken and several of these approaches can be effectively combined with one another (Kramer 2009). Many people complain of depressed mood but do not fit neatly into either two categories. These people symptoms are frequently best accounted for as a reaction to acute life stressor. These reactions are typically non-pathological and resolve with time, but they may constitute an adjustment reaction if normal function is sufficiently disturbed. Depression is both common and costly. It has a lifetime prevalence of 5 to 10 percent of women and 2 to 5 percent of men. It is an expensive disorder in both direct and indirect terms, as depression causes a higher degree of functional disability. Close to 20% of Americans are likely to suffer major depression at some time, and women tend to be more susceptible to the disorder than men. Major depression is likely to interfere significantly with everyday activities, with symptoms including insomnia, irritability, weight loss, and a lack of interest is outside events. The disorder may last several months or longer, and may reoccur- but it is generally reversible in the short run. In recent years, theorists have argued that many depressed individuals depend upon others for their self-esteem and that the loss of one of these emotional supports often precipitates a depressive reaction. A number of psychologists contend instead that depression is a result of learned helplessness, which occurs when a person determines through experience that his actions are useless in making positive changes. Other theorists have shown that genetic factors play a role in depression (Kramer 412).
