Tuesday, February 12, 2008

Clinical Depression - A Chemical Imbalance

Clinical depression is a complex condition in which many
different bodily changes come together to cause a multitude of
different actions that in chorus result in a primary response in
the body known as a chemical imbalance.

Stress can be a primary indicator of depression. When you deal
with stress long term, your body can cause the
neurotransmitters, known as Serotonin and Norepinephrine, in the
central nervous system and in the brain to carry an excessive
work load resulting in a malfunction. Your body requires these
neurotransmitters to work well in order to create the chemicals
you need in order to feel happy and well. They also help to
control stress levels and overall moods.

Chemical imbalance caused from stress is quite common. Think
about it, we all worry at some time or another about a child, a
friend, our personal health, work, financial issues or a
relationship. We might also find ourselves worrying about a
recent death of a friend or family member or you might have even
recently suffered from a traumatic event. Regardless the cause,
stress can lead to an imbalance of the "feel good" workers in
the brain and nervous system.

The trouble arises when Serotonin and Norepinephrine, the
neurotransmitters, malfunction or even begin to slip in their
normally stellar performance, you may find your mood impacted.
Things that used to never bother you can now seem like the end
of the world and your feelings may seem totally out of control
and you may find yourself battling depression.

In the face of a full blown battle with clinical depression,
those suffering typically face both mental and physical
challenges. The negative thoughts invading the mind can totally
distort the reality of any given situation. This can cause
serious issues since when the thought distortion associated with
depression can lead to a change in behavior, thereby altering
your life.

Clinical depression can certainly cause you to change your
behavior and daily activities. It can cause you to stay away
from family and friends, it can cause you to want to stay at
home under the covers languishing in the safety of your bed, it
can cause you physical pain, it can banish your appetite and it
can even cause you to suffer from a reduced sexual drive.

How do you beat the demons of clinical depression? First and
foremost find medical attention from a qualified healthcare
provider who can help you to get the treatment you need.
Dealing with the pain of depression is the best decision to you
could possibly make. Avoid treatment is a mistake and unless
someone who cares about you intervenes and helps you to realize
that you need help, then avoiding treatment can be a deadly
mistake since there are times when depression can spiral so out
of control that it can lead to suicide.

When you have made the decision to seek medical attention for
the treatment of depression then first thing you must recognize
is the courage it took for you to seek help.

Then you must actively involve yourself in treatment so that
you can battle the demons of depression that seek to overtake
your life. Depression can be a hereditary condition and can
also be cyclical in nature, meaning that it can come and go
throughout your life.

Treatment often takes several weeks and sometimes even months
to be totally successful. But a combination of counseling and
medications designed to treat depression have proven to be most
successful.

Seeking medical attention if you are suffering from clinical
depression is the best gift of all that you could ever give to
yourself or to your family. Find the help you need and keep
fighting. Your life and your happiness are worth the effort.

About The Author: For more important information on depression
be sure to visit http://www.0-depression.com where you will find
advice and tips on preventing and treating depression as well as
other articles on keeping you living the fullest life you can.

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