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An Illness within An Illness? continued

A significant symptom of my depression was that it was difficult for me to recognize that my cognitive abilities were distorted; I did not realize that I was experiencing a depressive episode.

It is very difficult to help a person who does not recognize that he is experiencing feelings of depression. Therefore, it is very important that we recognize the symptoms of depression so that we can seek help if we’re feeling depressed. And, we need to recognize the risks of depression, experiencing an illness within an illness.

Depression is a pervasive mood disorder affecting large numbers of the general population. US estimates show between five and 11 percent of the population experience depression; that’s more than 10 million Americans. For people diagnosed with chronic illness/disability, depression is more prevalent and more severe.

Since many seniors suffer from mild to severe age-associated disabilities, this means there is a significant risk that seniors as well as the chronically ill or physically disabled will endure a Major Depressive Episode – an illness within an illness.

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