What is Depression?
Perhaps the most misunderstood psychological disorder affecting Americans today is depression. This mental illness has been recorded throughout history and has been portrayed in literature the past few hundreds of years. A depressive disorder affects the way someone eats, sleeps, the way they feel about themselves and what they think of other people/things. But it’s more than feeling sad or “having the blues.” According to Dr. Prentiss Price-Evans, an expert on depressive disorders, “Clinical depression is more than just feeling blue from time to time. It is a serious condition that a affects a person’s mind, body and spirit; it impacts every aspect of one’s life” (Prentiss). Psychologists like Dr. Prentiss, look at the first discoveries of depression and how it affected people throughout society. Throughout history people of all social classes, ethnic backgrounds etc. have experienced this “whole-body” illness. People with this illness suffer from different mental and physical symptoms everyday. Depression is a serious mental condition that has psychological and physical symptoms and is more prevalent in some populations.
Depression is a “whole-body” illness that affects every aspect of someone’s life. This kind of depressive disorder is not the same as feeling blue and it’s not a sign of personal weakness that can be wished away. Someone suffering from this disorder cannot “pull themselves together” in a matter of time (Franklin). Many psychologists have studied parts of the brain that depression attacks. While 19th century depression was thought to be hereditary, Sigmund Freud, early 20th century psychologist and scientist, linked the development of depression to guilt and conflict. This medical illness is linked to the biochemistry in the brain. The Prefrontal Cortex is most affected by depression; it’s responsible for feelings of pleasure and positive reinforcement. However, this “emotional control centre” is completely inactive during the depressive stage (Dubuc). Without prefrontal cortex function, the brain is up against severe mental side effects and possible physical damage.
Understanding depression involves discussing the physiological changes throughout the decades as well as studying the mental and physical symptoms. Due to improper functioning of the prefrontal cortex, people can feel lifeless and apathetic; lacking the motivation to partake in hobbies they once enjoyed (Depression). Psychologists find it more common that depressive disorder patients have continuous streams of negative thoughts brewing in the back of their minds. Other psychological symptoms include self-destructive thoughts, poor self-esteem and records show difficulty with short term memory (Franklin). However, common depression sufferers show physical symptoms as well as psychological problems. Frequently, depressive patients will suffer from a loss of sleep or too much rest. A severe change in appetite and unexplained aches/pains is normal from time to time. By recognizing the these symptoms right away someone with this illness can rescue their mind, body and spirit.
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