2007-02-22 07:56:53 · 12 answers · asked by tracy w 3 in Health ➔ Mental Health
Being down is a temporary thing...and you can usually identify the cause. You're "down" because of something that happened, something someone said, because it's TTOTM, or because you didn't get that promotion or your best friend stood you up. But you know that in a few hours or days you'll be back "up."
Depression is usually a general, unidentifiable malaise--you're down all the time, 24/7, and often there doesn't seem to be a reason for it. Depression is more severe than a "downer"--you may cry uncontrollably, or sleep most of the day, or be physically unable to get out of bed and function normally. When it starts to affect even the things you like to do, and prevents you from enjoying the things you do for "you"--that's depression.
I've suffered from depression, and while there may be a reason for it (long term stress, physical problems, reacting to a traumatic experience) the person suffering it just feels trapped--like you're in the centre of a maze and can't find the way out...and besides you're too tired to try. Sometimes even when someone you love tries to help--it just doesn't seem that what they suggest could possibly work.
Sometimes medication can help, but that's only for damage control in the short term. It's very important to work on the root of the problem through counselling and having the courage to make the necessary changes.
2007-02-22 08:48:49 · answer #1 · answered by anna 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you have felt down for more than a week and do not understand why and you have no other illness, you see a doctor, preferably a psychiatrist. You may have depression, anxiety, or a mood disorder also known as bi-polar. All are treatable except sometimes bi-polar is mistaken for depression, which is why a psychiatrist is best for a complete review of symptoms and life events to make a competent diagnosis. Do not read about depression on the Internet because it does not sound much different than symptoms for other physical illnesses. Drug companies especially offer free tests to see if you are depressed. The national mental health association's website does offer more objective information for starters. Do not hesitate to find out what is going on if you have been down or in the blues for a week or more. Everyone has ups and downs but depression and bipolar are far more serious illnesses.
2007-02-22 08:05:44 · answer #2 · answered by Joseph H 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Depression, as opposed to feeling down lasts for a long time. If you have had this problem for sometime now, you must see your GP, who will get you treatment by a Psychiatrist initially, and then the Community Psychiatrist Nursing service will take over. Trust me, there is all the help you can hope for . Relax!
2007-02-22 11:50:07 · answer #3 · answered by usha4pillai 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Everyone has bad days, but if you have them for days at a time, then you are probably suffering from mild depression. I started taking a supplement called Vemma, it is a liquid that you drink. It has helped me more than any of the anti depressant medicines I was on.
I would recommend trying it. It costs 60.00 for a months supply, and it is worth that and more. Not only did it help with my depression but I have lost weight, my hair is growing faster, and my skin has cleared up and I just started taking this stuff at the beginning of Feb. I noticed a difference after 3 days, anti depressants can take up to 2 weeks to work and they have side effects. It is worth a try. My website is www.myvemma.com/tinacornman. Check out the website and see what you think.
2007-02-22 08:08:01 · answer #4 · answered by Tina Marie 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Feeling down is temporary usually brought on by a minor event. Depression is a constant feeling of sadness, hopelessness and despair often for no reason or from a major event. Some people who are depressed even feel physical pain or soreness. It might help to talk to someone. Good luck.
2007-02-22 08:06:52 · answer #5 · answered by blah1977 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The easiest way I could describe it is not caring about living anymore - But NOT suicidal! You don't think about killing yourself but if you were to die you have a "so what" attitude about it. Feeling down passes after a short time, depression lasts for months, even years and can usually only be diagnosed by someone else. Someone who is depressed usually doesn't think they are depressed unless they have experience of it beforehand.
Symptoms are mood swings, agressive outbursts, unexplained crying out of character, excessive drinking/ drug abuse. Depression will also affect social/personal relationships - especially if undiagnosed.
2007-02-22 08:06:09 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
A person will feel down for a short period of time, usually a few hours or a couple of days once in a while whereas depression can last for long periods of time eg weeks/months.
2007-02-22 08:12:34 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Feeling down only lasts for a short while. Depression is an every day, seemingly without end blues feeling.
2007-02-22 08:02:03 · answer #8 · answered by wildbill05733 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Feeling down is temporary and you have the natural ability to "get over it".
Depressed is when you have an inability to "get over it" Length of time in which you've been "down" is a huge factor
2007-02-22 10:13:00 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Depression you don't want to speak to anyone you cant see the point and the world seems black all around you/ Get some treatment pop in to see your GP good luck it will all work out ok
2007-02-22 08:03:40 · answer #10 · answered by srracvuee 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋