AWAREmed: Depression Affects Daily Life, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Depression is described by most as feeling sad or blue.  Some say they are unhappy or “down in the dumps.”  Most of us feel this way at one time or another, for short periods of time.
True clinical depression is a mood disorder in which feelings of sadness, loss, anger, or frustration interfere with everyday life for weeks or longer.

AWAREmed: Causes, Incidence, and Risk Factors

Mental disorders are common in the United States and internationally. An estimated 26.2 percent of Americans ages 18 and older — about one in four adults — suffer from a diagnosable mental disorder in a given year. Staggering recent statistics reveal that 57.7 million Americans suffer from a variety of mental disorders. In addition, mental disorders are the leading cause of disability in the U.S. and Canada. Many people suffer from more than one mental disorder at a given time. Nearly half (45 percent) of those with any mental disorder meet criteria for 2 or more disorders.
Most people cannot pinpoint the exact cause of depression.  There are those who blame it on a breakup, alcohol or drug abuse, or a death of a loved one.  Many researchers believe it is caused by chemical changes in the brain. This may be due to a problem with your genes, or triggered by certain stressful events. More likely, it’s a combination of both.
Some types of depression run in families. But depression can also occur if you have no family history of the illness. Anyone can develop depression, even kids.
The following may play a role in depression:
* Alcohol or drug abuse
* Certain medical conditions, including underactive thyroid, cancer, or long-term pain
* Certain medications such as steroids
* Sleeping problems
* Stressful life events, such as:
o Breaking up with a boyfriend or girlfriend
o Failing a class
o Death or illness of someone close to you
o Divorce
o Childhood abuse or neglect
o Job loss
o Social isolation (common in the elderly)

AWAREmed: Symptoms of Depression

Depression can change or distort the way you see yourself, your life, and those around you.
People who have depression usually see everything with a more negative attitude, unable to imagine that any problem or situation can be solved in a positive way.
Symptoms of depression can include:
* Agitation, restlessness, and irritability
* Dramatic change in appetite, often with weight gain or loss
* Very difficult to concentrate
* Fatigue and lack of energy
* Feelings of hopelessness and helplessness
* Feelings of worthlessness, self-hate, and guilt
* Becoming withdrawn or isolated
* Loss of interest or pleasure in activities that were once enjoyed
* Thoughts of death or suicide
* Trouble sleeping or excessive sleeping
Depression can appear as anger and discouragement, rather than feelings of sadness.
If depression is very severe, there may also be psychotic symptoms, such as hallucinations and delusions.
The good news is that experts in health, lifestyle, and medicine at AWAREmed can teach you how to avoid becoming one of these statistics as you reclaim your health and vitality.

AWAREmed: Depression Affects Daily Life, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

First, we will help you to understand Mental disorders, whether your interest lies in its prevention or treatment. Much is known about mental disorders prevention, and our Four Pillars program will give you the tools to build a healthy lifestyle and prevent all types of disease.
If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with mental disorders, it is important to understand both the diagnosis and your treatment options – and there are many. Knowledge leads to empowerment, and our health and medicine professionals will help you advocate for yourself and find the best options for you and your life.

AWAREmed: Treatment Comes In Many Forms

A number of treatments, both alternative and complementary, are available for Mental Disorders, Some of these include:
* Therapeutic nutrition
* IV therapies
* Mind-Body-Spirit counseling
* Psycho-neuro-immunology
* Constitutional hydrotherapy
* Homeopathy
Turn your life around with the help of our experts, in a medically supervised program tailored just for you.
Anxiety and depressive disorders are major public health problems, and desirable changes in lifestyle, such as exercise and proper nutrition, can be of great potential for prevention and treatment. There is growing evidence that physically active people are at a reduced risk of developing depression and that exercise interventions are associated with significant benefits for patients with mild to moderate forms of depression as well as in reducing anxiety. These findings have led to the proposal that exercise may serve as an alternative or a supplement to traditional forms of therapy. The prevalence of depression is lower in countries where the consumption of seafood is high, and omega-3 fatty acids seem to be beneficial in the management of mood disorders. Stimulants are often used as forms of self-medication in patients with anxiety or depressive disorders. Although providing short-term relief, they may have long-term adverse effects.
To learn more about the benefits of our health programs, call 843-213-1480.

AWAREmed: Depression Affects Daily Life, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina