A lot of people talk about the Great Depression which started with the Stock Market Crash of 1929, but we have certainly been undergoing another Great Depression since the markets took a tumble in late September and early October 2008, and there seems little good news at the moment with respect to recovery from this recession.
The stress and strain of bad news all the time and everyone being worried about making ends meet can take their toll. Money-related stress can be responsible for many health conditions and symptoms. Depression can also be triggered by stressful events in your life, particularly if you have been suffering from health problems.
Depression is a chemical imbalance in the brain. While only a doctor can make a diagnosis on depression, there are several well-known signs and symptoms that accompany clinical depression which can help identify if you are just feeling a bit down or ‘blue’ or have a condition that requires treatment.
Even if you have had a major life event that is happy, such as the birth of a new baby, this can led to stress and/or depression. Up to 10% of women report suffering from post-partum depression. Many people avoid seeking treatment for depression because they believe depression is an embarrassing illness that shows they are ‘weak’ or ‘crazy’ or can’t cope. But it is a treatable medical condition no different from cancer or diabetes-if you would not be embarrassed to get help for them, you should not be embarrassed to seek help for depression.
Other people avoid seeking help because they think the only treatments available are harsh drugs with lots of side effects. The truth is that there are many different effective and safe treatments for depression, including natural remedies. They can be used alone or in combination with one another.
If you are feeling like you are dragging in the morning, or you seem to be lacking in motivation or often find yourself easily irritated, it might be time to get to the root cause of your moods and consult with your doctor to see if you are suffering from stress, or depression.
FURTHER READING
How to Cope With Money-Related Stress: Dealing With Financial Stress During the Recession
Transforming Stress Into Success: How to Minimize Stress and Maximize Success in Today’s Economy
