One in four Americans experiences some degree of clinical depression or mood disorder during their lifetime. One in eight of us will, at some time in our lives, experience depression serious enough to affect our personal relationships and job performance. Clinically diagnosed depression currently affects 17 million Americans, and more than 28 million of those, including teens and children, are currently on antidepressant drugs or anxiety medications.
Depression following significant loss is a normal, healing part of the grieving process.
The death of a loved one, a divorce, an accident that permanently changes one s physical abilities, the loss of a job, even the recognition that our youth is not without end - all may trigger depression. Feelings of sadness in response to loss are normal and healthy. Grief is a purging, healing emotion that should be respected, even valued for the lessons offered. Think back to some difficult time in your past. Chances are you emerged from this trial with more compassion, stronger in spirit, more aware of and grateful for the blessings in your life.