Depression
Trauma frequently causes depression, and depression is often associated with drinking, drug use and suicide. Depression is not officially listed by the American Psychiatric Association as a PTSD symptom, but it may precede PTSD, or occur at the same time as PTSD. Sometimes a person trying to cope with PTSD symptoms becomes depressed because it is difficult to stop the flashbacks, nightmares and fear. Seriously depressed people feel hopeless, bitter, irritable, restless and pessimistic. They don’t function well at work or in a social setting. They are withdrawn, and find little joy in life. They may have trouble sleeping, have no appetite and lose weight. Depressed people are often filled with guilt, shame and self-hatred, and often think about suicide.
Depression.com
This website, supported by pharmaceutical company Glaxo-SmithKline, states that “depression is not something you can just snap out of.” The site provides information on the causes and treatment for depression. It describes the different types of depression, and how to live with a depressed person.
Go to: http://www.depression.com.
Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA)
DBSA is the leading patient-directed national organization focusing on the most prevalent mental illnesses. The organization fosters an environment of understanding about the impact and management of these life-threatening illnesses by providing up-to-date, scientifically-based tools and information written in language the general public can understand. DBSA supports research to promote more timely diagnosis, and develop more effective and tolerable treatments.
DBSA’s prestigious 65-member Scientific Advisory Board is comprised of the leading researchers and clinicians in the field of mood disorders. DBSA has a grassroots network of nearly 1,000 patient-run support groups across the country.
Go to: http://www.dbsalliance.org. Write: Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA), 730 N. Franklin Street, Suite 501, Chicago, Illinois 60610-7224. Toll free: (800) 826 -3632. If you are in crisis, call 1-800-273-8255.
Depression Chat—Online Support
DepressionChat.com provides a way for people suffering from depression to speak to others with the same problems. You can share experiences, treatment that has worked for you, and read the latest information and news about dealing with depression.
Go to: http://www.depressionchat.com
Emotions Anonymous (EA)
Emotions Anonymous is a twelve-step organization, similar to Alcoholics Anonymous, and is composed of people who come together in weekly meetings for the purpose of working toward recovery from emotional difficulties such as depression, anger, grief, anxiety and so on.
Today there are over 1000 EA chapters in 35 countries, including the United States.
Go to: http://www.emotionsanonymous.org. Write: EA International, P.O. Box 4245, St. Paul, MN 55104-0245. Phone: 651-647-9712.