Very Happy Phil

How would you know if you are experiencing depression? What are ten symptoms a person can have if they are currently depressed? From today I hope you remember some or all of these important signs. I revealed in my book 'Winning Mentality' that I have experienced an unusually low mood during two periods in my life. Therefore I am particularly passionate and motivated about helping anyone who is unhappy. I still have a lot to learn. Having some basic knowledge of depression would be helpful for everyone. The National Institute of Mental Health states;

"What is Depression?
Depression is a serious medical illness; it's not something that you have made up in your head. It's more than just feeling "down in the dumps" or "blue" for a few days. It's feeling "down" and "low" and "hopeless" for weeks at a time.

People with depressive illnesses do not all experience the same symptoms. The severity, frequency and duration of symptoms will vary depending on the individual and his or her particular illness.
Symptoms include:
* Persistent sad, anxious or "empty" feelings
* Feelings of hopelessness and/or pessimism
* Feelings of guilt, worthlessness and/or helplessness
* Irritability, restlessness
* Loss of interest in activities or hobbies once pleasurable, including sex
* Fatigue and decreased energy
* Difficulty concentrating, remembering details and making decisions
* Insomnia, early–morning wakefulness, or excessive sleeping
* Overeating, or appetite loss
* Thoughts of suicide, suicide attempts
* Persistent aches or pains, headaches, cramps or digestive problems that do not ease even with treatment"

For more information;
http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/depression/index.shtml

See your GP if you think you may be experiencing depression. If in doubt, get it checked out.

Here are a few of facts which both shock and inspire me to help increase the happiness of other people;

10 times more people suffer from major depression now than in 1945

Right now approximately 10% of the UK general population are experiencing depression. The Worldwide estimate is approx. 100 million people (Paul Gilbert, Overcoming Depression 1997)

World Health Organisation estimates that by the year 2020 depression will be the second most burdensome illness in the world.

Depression costs the UK more than £8 billion annually. Including cost of health and medical care, lost production and social security benefits." (Depression Alliance 1999).

Facts;
* Of those diagnosed with clinical depression, 80% of those that sought help showed improvement in their lives.
* Major depression is more 1 ½ - 3 times more likely if there is a close relative with the disorder.
* The number of people suffering depression has more than doubled in the last 50 years
* 1 in 4 women will suffer depression
* Women suffer depression twice as often as men
* Depression is one of the most treatable psychological illnesses
* Two thirds of people with depression do not seek medical help.
* 15% of people with depression will commit suicide.
* Suicide risks for people with bipolar disorder are 15 times higher than the general public.
* 7-8% of women are suffering from a moderate to severe depression.
* 3-4% of men are suffering from a moderate to severe depression.
* About 5 people in every thousand will suffer from bipolar disorder.
* Bipolar disorder is as common in men as women.

Treating depression helps bottom line. -US Mental Health

About a quarter of suicides in the US are felt to be due to undiagnosed, or misdiagnosed major depression. Up to 80% of suicide deaths are in sufferers of major depression.

"Compared to otherwise healthy people, individuals who have heart disease are significantly more likely to suffer from depression."
-Dr Joseph Scopelliti MAPS, Senior clinical health psychologist, 'Dying of a broken heart; Heart Disease, depression and risk of mortality'

Chronic stress can cause depression. Read more here;
http://www.veryhappyphil.com/content/challenging-stress-good-chronic-str...

What can cure depression? There is help and solutions available.

Going for a walk, especially in green surroundings is very effective in helping 71% of depressed people feel less depressed. Read more here; http://www.veryhappyphil.com/content/green-exercise-walking-nature-makes...

Talking is good for tough times and proven to be helpful. Its good to talk to someone who cares. Alternatively writing is good. Read more here; http://www.veryhappyphil.com/content/it%E2%80%99s-good-talk-its-good-wri...

Here are a few of my favourite quotes which inspire me;

"The typical depressed person doesn't seek treatment for an average of nine years after first experiences her symptoms. There are many many treatments for depression. The four most effective therapies that in my opinion have the strongest empirical support. One is pharmacological therapy known as antidepressants. The other three are types of psychotherapy (or 'talk' therapy) – cognitive behavioral therapy, interpersonal therapy, marriage and family therapy."
-Sonja Lyubomirsky PhD, 'The How of Happiness'

"Recent research has found regular meditation practice to be helpful in treating generalized anxiety disorder and in preventing relapse in people who have suffered episodes of major depression."
-Edmund J. Bourne PH.D. 'The Anxiety & Phobia Workbook (4th ed)'

"Optimism and hope cause better resistance to depression when bad events strike, better performance at work, particularly in challenging jobs and better physical health."
-Professor Martin EP Seligman PhD, 'Authentic Happiness'

"(In Tests) Three exercises proved to be placebos and three worked well, producing lasting reductions in depression and lasting increases in happiness. The three that worked were "three blessings" - writing down three things that went well today and why; "the gratitude visit" - writing a gratitude testimonial and delivering it personally; and "using your signature strength in a new way" - taking the signature strength test and using your highest strength in a new way.

We looked at the effect on severe depression of doing just the first exercise, three blessings. In this uncontrolled study, 94% of severely depressed people became less depressed and 92% became happier, with an average symptom relief of a whopping 50% over only 15 days. This compares very favourably with anti-depressant medication and with psychotherapy.

We then packaged six exercises in a bundle and gave them to moderately depressed students in groups. Compared to a randomly assigned control, the exercises produced markedly lowered depression one year later. The results seem even stronger in the hands of a good therapist: we gave three groups of unipolar depressed patients either medication, treatment as usual, or positive psychotherapy. This consists of 12 sessions in which the exercises are mixed with skilled psychotherapy. At the end of three months about 10% of the patients with medication or treatment as usual improved, versus 70% of the patients in positive psychotherapy.

Depressive symptoms were substantially reduced and happiness markedly increased. Overall then there is good evidence that several simple exercises increase happiness and decrease depression."
-Prof Martin EP Seligman PhD

For more information; www.authentichappiness.org

Choose your words carefully. I think, 'I am depressing' (sounds temporary) but 'I am depressed'(sounds permanent). And 'I am unhappy', sounds better than using the D word!

Have a DEPRESSION AWARENESS day!

KEEP POSITIVE!

Very Happy Phil

Remember,
"It is very useful to be aware of the signs of depression. If we are clinically unhappy we should get help from a professional. Its inspiring to know that doing happy exercises can not only boosts our happiness but can also remove unhappiness!"
– Very Happy Phil

PS I am currently in the UK giving Positive Psychology Talks to groups, schools and businesses. Contact me to arrange. I will try to fit all requests into my schedule. Each talk includes 5 habits of Happy People and 5 habits of unhappy people. The benefits of happiness is here ;
http://www.veryhappyphil.com/?q=node/27