Mental Behavior
Depression is a serious mental illness that affects over 21 million people in the United States alone It is an overpowering and uncontrollable feeling that affects the body, mood, and thought processes. Depression effects diet, sleeping habits, overall health, and relationships. However, mental behavior associated with depression is not untreatable. Anyone suffering from this mental illness has many options at their disposal.
Types of Depression
The first step in getting treatment can determine what sorts of medications will help, and which ones might do more harm than good. The most common types of depression include bipolar disorder, dysthymia, and major depression.
Major depression can cause a person to stay in bed crying for most of the day, unable to function or do anything “normal.” They will feel worthless, and will have no motivation to even get out of bed in the morning. Left untreated, this form of depression can quickly lead to suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Dysthymia, also known as clinical depression, is a less severe form of depression that often goes untreated, because many who suffer from it don’t even realize that they have it. It is caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain that produces long-term chronic symptoms such as a general feeling of depression, weakness or tiredness, anxiety, and other symptoms often confused for stress.
Bipolar disorder, also known as manic-depressive disorder, is one of the more severe forms of depression. This illness is easily recognized by constant cycling mood changes. In the manic state, a person will feel as though they are invincible, and can conquer the world. They will take on far more tasks or work than most people could ever accomplish. They are extremely energetic, talkative, and sociable. However they may also lack proper judgment and often take part in embarrassing social behaviors. Untreated, mania can escalate into conspiracy theories, paranoid thoughts, and a general psychotic state. The low end of bipolar is generally the same as major depression.
The bipolar cycle can last from weeks, to even many months.It should be noted, however, that regardless of the severity and seriousness of the symptoms, all forms of depression are highly treatable with the correct medication and therapy.