Depression By Cognitive Perspective Essay Research Paper

Depression By Cognitive Perspective Essay, Research Paper

As it is well known, most people experience some kind of depression in their lives. Depression sometimes makes our lives unbearable and, we need treatment. We need the help of psychologist.s. With the help of them, we try to learn the reasons of our depression and we acquire the explanations to find out possible and necessary treatments. In psychology, there are different schools to consult. In this paper, depression is explained by the help of Cognitive Theory.

DEPRESSION

Depression is a mental illness in which a person experiences deep, stable sadness and discontinued interest in nearly all activities. People also use the term depression to describe the temporary sadness, loneliness, or blues that everyone feels from time to time. In contrast to normal sadness, severe depression, also called major depression, can dramatically lessen a person.s ability to function in social situations and at work. People with major depression often have feelings of despair, hopelessness, and worthlessness, as well as thoughts of committing suicide.

Depression can take several other forms. In bipolar disorder, sometimes called manic-depressive illness, a person.s mood swings back and forth between depression and mania. People with seasonal affective disorder typically suffer from depression only during autumn and winter, when there are fewer hours of daylight. In dysthymia , people feel depressed, have low self-esteem, and concentrate poorly most of the time.often for a period of years.but their symptoms are milder than in major depression. Some people with dysthymia experience occasional episodes of major depression. Mental health professionals use the term clinical depression to refer to any of the above forms of depression.

PREVALENCE

Depression affects all people, regardless of sex, race, ethnicity, or socioeconomic standing. However, the percentage of women having the illness more likely than men . Experts disagree on the reason for this difference. Some cite differences in hormones, and others point to the stress caused by society.s expectations of women.

Depression occurs in all parts of the world, although the pattern of symptoms can vary. The prevalence of depression in other countries varies widely, from 1.5 percent of people in Taiwan to 19 percent of people in Lebanon. Some researchers believe methods of gathering data on depression account for different rates.

A number of large-scale studies indicate that depression rates have increased worldwide over the past several decades. Furthermore, younger generations are experiencing depression at an earlier age than did previous generations. Social scientists have proposed many explanations, including changes in family structure, urbanization, and reduced cultural and religious influences.

SYMPTOMS

Although depression may be seen anytime from childhood to old age, depression usually begins in a person.s 20s or 30s. The illness may start slowly, then increase gradually over months or years. On the other hand, it may finish suddenly in a few weeks or days. A person who develops severe depression may be seen so confused, frightened, and unbalanced that observers speak of a “nervous breakdown.” When it begins, depression causes serious changes in a person.s feelings and outlook. A person with major depression feels sad nearly every day and may cry often. People no longer get pleasure from their work and activities.

Symptoms of depression can change by age. In younger children, depression may include physical complaints, such as stomachaches and headaches, as well as irritability, social withdrawal, and changes in eating habits. They may feel indifferent about school and other activities. In adolescents, common symptoms include sad mood, sleep disturbances, and lack of energy. Elderly people with depression usually complain about physical rather than emotional problems, which sometimes causes doctors to misdiagnose the illness.

Symptoms of depression can also change by culture. In some cultures, depressed people may not experience sadness or guilt but may complain about physical problems. In Mediterranean cultures, for example, depressed people may complain about headaches or nerves. In Asian cultures they may complain about weakness, fatigue, or imbalance.

If the illness is not treated, an episode of major depression typically lasts eight or nine months. Most of people who experience one bout of depression will experience future episodes.

Depression usually changes a person.s appetite, sometimes increasing it, but usually reducing it. Sleep habits often change, too . People with depression may oversleep or, more commonly, sleep for fewer hours. A depressed person might go to sleep at midnight, sleep restlessly, then wake up at 5 AM feeling tired and blue. For many depressed people, early morning is the saddest time of the day.

Depression also changes one.s energy level. Some depressed people may be restless and nervous, engaging in sensitive movements . Others may feel lazy and inactive, experiencing great fatigue, lack of energy, and a feeling of carrying a heavy burden. Depressed people may also have difficulty thinking, poor concentration, and problems with memory.

People with depression often experience feelings of worthlessness, helplessnes