Depression may have been best described by President Lincoln's personal experience.
"...If what I feel were equally distributed to the whole
human family, there would not be one cheerful face on
earth. Whether I shall ever be better, I cannot tell...to
remain as I am is impossible."
-- Abraham Lincoln
All people experience mood changes. Fluctuating between states of happiness and low periods of sadness is a normal part of human existence. At times, however, these emotional highs and lows are intensified, affecting people's lives, their sense of self, their ability to work, and their relationships with others.
Moods are defined as prolonged emotions that color a person's entire life. Mood disorders have debilitating effects; they prevent people from coping with the demands of everyday living and can block personal development.
Complications that often accompany mood disorders are alcoholism, drug abuse, poor judgment and suicide.
It is estimated that more than 15 million people in the U.S. will experience major mood disorders at some time, with all age groups at risk. Often these problems are not properly identified and remain untreated. This fact is especially troubling because mood disorders are among the most treatable mental illnesses.
The Depression Clinic, a program offered by the Lighthouse Clinic, offers diagnostic and treatment services to patients suffering from depression, bipolar disorder (manic-depression) and other mood disturbances.
Symptoms of Mood Disorders
Depression
Feeling sad, hopeless, or worthless
Sleep or eating disturbances
Loss of interest in daily activities
Fatigue, loss of energy
Agitation, irritability
Thoughts of death
Difficulty thinking or remembering
Low self-esteem
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Mania
Inappropriate elation
Grandiose thoughts
Rapid speech
Racing thoughts
Hyperactivity
Hyper sexuality
Inability to make decisions
Disturbed social behavior |
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