Tuesday, June 19, 2012

the depressed farmer

Farming isn't easy when you have atypical depression.

For those unfamiliar with this type of depression I have linked and copied some information provided by the Mayo Clinic.

Atypical Depression
By Mayo Clinic staffDefinition

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/atypical-depression/DS01181


As with any type of depression, atypical depression can make you feel blue and keep you from enjoying life. When you have atypical depression, a particular pattern of signs and symptoms tends to occur. You may feel hungry and gain weight. You may sleep a lot, and your arms and legs may feel heavy. Many people who have atypical depression have a hard time maintaining relationships and are especially afraid of rejection by others.
Atypical depression often starts in the teenage years and is more common in women than in men. Despite the name, atypical depression isn't uncommon or unusual. As with other forms of depression, treatment for atypical depression includes medications, psychological counseling (psychotherapy) and lifestyle changes.

Symptoms

Depression of any kind can cause:
Feelings of sadness, emptiness or feeling tearful
Loss of interest or pleasure in normal activities
In addition to standard symptoms of depression, atypical depression symptoms also include:
Increased appetite
Unintentional weight gain
Increased desire to sleep
Heavy, leaden feeling in the arms and legs (leaden paralysis)
Sensitivity to rejection or criticism that interferes with your social life or job
Relationship conflicts
Trouble maintaining long-lasting relationships
Fear of rejection that leads to avoiding relationships
Having depression that temporarily lifts with good news or positive events but returns later


It's not known exactly what causes atypical depression. As with other types of depression, a combination of factors may be involved. These include:

Brain chemistry.
Neurotransmitters are naturally occurring brain chemicals that are thought to play a direct role in depression. When these chemicals are out of balance, it may lead to depression symptoms.
Inherited traits. Depression is more common in people whose biological family members also have the condition.
Life events. Events such as the death or loss of a loved one, financial problems and high stress can trigger depression in some people.
Early childhood trauma. Traumatic events during childhood, such as abuse or loss of a parent, may cause permanent changes in the brain that make you more susceptible to depression
Diagnostic criteria for atypical depression

To be diagnosed with atypical depression, you must meet the symptom criteria spelled out in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). This manual is published by the American Psychiatric Association and is used by mental health providers to diagnose mental conditions and by insurance companies to reimburse for treatment.
For a diagnosis of atypical depression, you must first meet the general DSM criteria for major depression — which includes feeling down and losing interest in things you once enjoyed. You'll also need to meet other, specific criteria for atypical depression.
For a diagnosis of atypical depression you must have this symptom:
Being cheered up by positive events
In addition, you must have at least two of these symptoms for diagnosis:
Gaining weight gain or having a noticeable increase in appetite
Sleeping excessively
Being sensitive to rejection by others
Having a heavy feeling in the arms and legs


Treatments and drugs

Treatment for atypical depression is generally the same as treatment for other types of depression. Medications and psychological counseling (psychotherapy) are effective for most people.
In some cases, a primary care doctor can prescribe medications to relieve depression symptoms. However, many people need to see a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating mental health conditions (psychiatrist). Most people with atypical depression also benefit from seeing a psychologist or other mental health counselor. Usually the most effective treatment for depression is a combination of medication and psychotherapy.
Atypical depression most often occurs along with mild, long-lasting depression. However, it can cause more severe symptoms in some people, such as feeling suicidal or not being able to do basic day-to-day activities. If you have severe depression, a doctor, loved one or guardian may need to guide your care until you're well enough to participate in decision making. You may need a hospital stay, or you may need to participate in an outpatient treatment program until your symptoms improve.





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