4 Troubled Teens Blog

Overcoming Depression a Matter of Identifying Signs, Accessing Treatment

Because symptoms of mild depression can be subtle, few people recognize them. And those who do rarely seek help, believing that mild depression is something they should be able to handle on their own.

However, as relationship coach Susan Britt wrote in the Sept. 25 edition of the Gloucester (Mass.) Daily Times, depression isn't something that a sufferer can overcome through willpower alone:
More than 14 million Americans suffer some degree of depression. Many do not seek treatment because they don't recognize the symptoms: a loss of self-esteem and interest in life, appetite and sleep changes, difficulty remembering and concentrating, frequent periods of negativity or sadness. You don't need to experience all or even most of these symptoms to be depressed. ...

When considering all the possible contributing factors, it becomes apparent that depression has little or nothing to do with free will. It is also important to understand that because genetics and physiology are not a matter of choice, sufferers cant just "snap out of" depression. No one chooses to be depressed. ...

Depression can be successfully treated. Take the first step toward recovery for yourself or someone you care for by reaching out for help.

Labels: depression, treatment_programs

Posted By: Aspen/CRC