excerpted from chapter 1 of Dealing with Depression Naturally, copyright (c) 1995 by Syd BaumelBeing DepressedPhysically, the negativity of depression manifests itself in tiredness and fatigue, in an increased sensitivity to bodily aches and pains, and in a neuropsychological dulling of the mind's edges (enough to make some elderly persons seem senile). The severely or psychotically depressed may think, say, and do everything in extreme slow motion, and may even be catatonically "paralyzed." Depression also is marked by "vegetative" disturbances: insomnia or hypersomnia (oversleeping), appetite loss or compulsive eating, gastrointestinal dysfunction (dry mouth, indigestion, constipation), and lowered sex drive. Indeed, the subjectively disturbed state of being depressed seems to be mirrored objectively by disturbances in every organ and system of the body. When we're depressed, we're depressed through and through. Often the symptoms of depression fall into a recognizable pattern. The most common one is called typical, classic, or endogenous depression. Sleeplessness in the middle of the night or early in the morning, loss of appetite and weight, and malignant self-reproach are its hallmarks. People with a severe form of typical depression called melancholia are enveloped by a gloom so impervious that nothing positive seems to reach them. Yet their mood, which characteristically is worst in the morning, tends to pick up spontaneously at night. In contrast, atypical depression is characterized by insomnia
at bedtime, oversleeping, overeating, a tendency to blame others rather
than oneself, being easily affected by circumstances, and feeling worst
at night.
Dealing with Depression Naturally, Second Edition (2000) Amazon.com | Chapters.ca
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