Depression comes in many forms, some types of depression are situational and caused by loss of job, divorce, death, or radical changes in lifestyle where the person is unable to cope. Then there is acute depression, this comes when a continued form of unhappiness transfers itself into the disease “depression”. This type of depression is curable through counseling, therapy and medicine. Lastly, there is chronic depression. This form of “sadness” is permanent and never leaves your heart or soul. You are continually and always faced with the proverbial “doom and gloom” half-empty cup attitude. This is manageable with treatment but not curable. Some of the more common medicines used for chronic depression are Prozac and Paxil, while the newer treatments on the market today are Cymbalta and Lexapro.

Let’s face it, we all get depressed, want to pull the blankets up over our faces and not deal with life, Not go to work or see people or talk to anyone. Sometimes these situations tend to cure themselves; on the other hand, acute depression needs a respite, needs assistance, Most people are unable to pick themselves up, shake themselves out, regroup and re-enter society with a smile on their faces. It takes a very strong personality to separate yourself from your temporary illness; while not impossible, a minimal amount of cases can be self-evolved. In most situations, when the depression is so overwhelming
that you just want to “die”, “disappear”, and not face “anyone”, mental health providers are required to put you back on track. On the other hand, chronic, long-term depression, whereby you have sunk into a deep pit of despair, anxiety and insecurity, sometimes even counseling and medical treatment are only a sustenance to maintain your stability.

Depression is a silent disease. Lots of people walk around with it every day of their lives, perhaps feeling that they are just having a bad “day” or a bad “run” of luck.

It is imperative that a person feeling “bad” needs to determine what level of depression he or she is experiencing so that it can be dealt with properly. There are many health care providers able to help the patient deal with the ramifications of their illness. They should seek help and advice before they delve into something more serious and perhaps chronic.