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Depression

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Submitted By amber318
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Depression is a common problem is the United States. It may be described as feeling sad, unhappy, miserable, or down in the dumps. Most of us feel this way at one time or another for short periods. True clinical depression is a mood disorder in which feelings of sadness, loss, anger, or frustration interfere with everyday life for a long period of time. There are several cultural factors that lead to such high rates of depression in the United States such as mental disorders, nutrition, and stress. A mental disorder may be defined as a significant impairment of an individual's cognitive, affective and/or relational abilities which may require intervention and may be a recognized, medically diagnosable illness or disorder. Mental disorders are common in the United States. About 1 in 5 Americans ages 18 and older suffer from a diagnosable mental disorder in a given year. When applied to the 2003 U.S. Census residential population estimate, this figure translates to 46.4 million people. These disorders are not easy to live with, and can be extremely pricey. Over 90 percent of suicide victims have a diagnosable mental disorder. Although this does not prove the disorder had anything to do with the suicide, it still is a factor in the situation. Nutrition is another reason the United States depression rates are so high. Currently our country is covered with fast food chains, and is surrounded with junk foods. At all ages most Americas eat this food whether you are an adult, teen, or a child. You might assume that nothing would make you happier than polishing off that super-sized double cheeseburger meal with a large soda, but actually recent studies suggest that eating junk food actually makes you depressed because it is so high in calories, mainly fat calories. Some people may think of these kinds of foods as a reward, although the healthier you eat the healthier you feel physically and mentally. Stress is a common factor in depression as well. Many adults in the United States feel stress with in their jobs, and life itself. However I feel the main stress holders in the U.S are teenagers. At this point in life teens are trying to figure out what college to go to, and many are still trying to figure out themselves. Once they hit college it does not get any better. Even if it is a small case of depression teens do experience it. A majority of teens are trying to maintain school, a part time job, as well as their lives. Although it may not sound that stressful it really is. I myself have felt depressed from being so overwhelmed with school. In my case it was never that serious, but for others it could become serious. There are always ways that can lead to help depression. Medication is one way, or even just trying to talk to someone and ask for help. People try to hide the disorder. Holding in these feeling only make it worse. It can lead to a major depression, which can eventually lead to thoughts of suicide. Although it is so common it is also very serious, and getting help is the best way to handle it.
SOURCES: www.health.gov

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