| Depression
What is Depression ?
Depression is defined as 'a feeling of gloom due to
disappointment, loss or failure'(1) .
In what is termed 'reactive depression (i.e.. due to stress)
the patient does not lose touch with reality. However, in endogenous or 'clinical'
depression, the patient is in what is termed a psychotic state and needs expert help.
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Known Causes
The are many known possible organic and psychological causes
that may trigger a depressive state. Conventional medical treatments still tend to focus
on anti-depressant medications, many of which can be addictive and have harmful side
effects. Medical doctors - a group which boasts a high ratio of depression within its own
members - still regards depression as a chemical problem, with medications as the answer. Prozac
launched in 1987 achieved worldwide sales by 1990 estimated to be in excess of $675
million (2).In severe cases, electric shock treatment is still commonly prescribed. whilst
psychotherapy/counselling takes a secondary role.
In the U.K. there are at least three million people
suffering from depression. Self-doubt, recrimination, loss of apetite are all common
symptoms but depression can be seen as something very positive, a turning point in one's
life. Lee Iaocca was fired from General Motors by Henry Ford II in 1978. He took to drink
and became more depressed. Finally, he said; "I had a simple choice: I could turn
that anger against myself, with disastrous consequences. Or I could take some of that
energy and try to do something productive." This is easier for some people to do than
others, but it can be done...fortunately there are alternatives which can help.
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