What Is Depression?

While sadness touches all of our lives at different times, the illness of depression can have enormous depth and staying power. Even the ancient Greeks noted how disabling it could be, and that it was more than a passing bout of sadness or dejection, or feeling down in the dumps. If you have ever suffered from depression or been close to someone who has, you know that this illness cannot be lifted at will or wished or joked away. A man in the grip of depression can't solve his problems by showing a little more backbone. Nor can a woman who is depressed simply shake off the blues.

Being depressed has nothing to do with personal weakness.... Read the entire article, and supporting information, by clicking here.

...Depression could be described as a lake fed by many streams. Its tributaries include traumatic or stressful life events, such as the death of a loved one, and psychological traits, such as a pessimistic outlook or a tendency toward isolation. An episode of depression may result from one particularly powerful experience or from a confluence of several factors. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, during a given year approximately 1 in 10 adults will suffer from some form of depression. Each episode usually affects a chain of people. It can fray bonds between you and your family and friends by spoiling intimacy, sapping emotional resources, and stealing the joy of shared pleasures.

Very honestly, I have struggled with Depression and/or Dysthymia since I was a teenager. I received this article via today's e-mail from Everyday Health. Throughout my life, I have held fast to the scripture I claimed for my own (at 15 years of age): "I am crucified with Christ; nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me." Galatians 2:20
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As I have struggled to regain my health (from acute ozone poisoning), I've also read about depression. On 12/01/08, I "filed away" an article titled Depression Linked with Abdominal Obesity. I revisited that topic today because that may explain why I have excessive abdominal fat--and gained ten pounds--since I lost the job I loved February 13, 2008. Quoting from the article:
"This is the first large study to demonstrate that older persons with depressive symptoms accumulate more visceral fat than their coumterparts without depression, Vogelzangs told Reuters Health.

..."Depression roughly doubled the odds of gaining visceral fat, Vogelzangs said. An association with waist circumference was also observed, but fell short of statistical significance.

"As suggested, the increase was specific for visceral fat; no change in overall obesity was noted. This supports a biologic rather than dietary explanation for the findings, the authors note."

This is a plausible explanation because my diet is above reproach. No junk food!! I avoid Church potluck meals; I rarely eat in restaurants. I scrutinize product ingredients before I purchase, I buy $4. loaves of organic whole grain bread, organic salad fixings....