Reflection Upon Patients With Major Depressive Disorder

Depression is a common occurrence in society. That is everyone will experience sadness at some point in time (Barlow and, Durand, 2009). According to Barlow and Durand major depressive disorder is a mental illness that affects individuals suffering with debilitating physical and emotional symptoms that keep them from living a meaningful productive life (Barlow and Durand, 2009). If an individual is living with depression there are many symptoms other than psychological they may experience (Barlow and Durand, 2009). One should seek help if the negative feelings and symptoms do not go away (Barlow and Durand, 2009). Depression that goes untreated can lead to suicide (Barlow and Durand, 2009). “Major Depressive Disorder” is defined as the “most common and severe experience of depression, including feelings of worthlessness, disturbances in bodily activities such as sleep, loss of interest, and inability to experience pleasure, persisting at least two weeks”(Barlow and Durand, 2009; DSM, 2004).

There are many variables other than biological that cause us to be more prone to depression (Barlow and Durand, 2009). For example, I currently work at Bering Omega Community Services which is a hospice that serves the HIV and AIDS community. The majority of our residents have some type of mental illness. Their mental illness has led them to behave in a risky manner and therefore has contributed to their HIV/AIDS diagnosis. The majority of our residents are poly substance abusers and would likely still use if they were on the streets. When residents are admitted we do a psychosocial assessment and review their medical records. Some of the questions we are concerned with is, does the resident have a social network, for example, family ...

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...he most important class if one was to become involved in the helping profession (personal communication). Abnormal Psychology has given me a greater insight into mental illness, and the symptoms that individuals experience medically, psychological and socially.

Works Cited

Barlow, D. H., and Durand, V. M. (2009). Abnormal Psychology (5th ed.). Belmont, CA: Wadsworth, Cengage Learning

J, Kalat. (2009).Biological Psychology (10th ed.). Belmont, CA: Wadsworth, Cengage Learning

The Center for AIDS Information and Advocacy (2011, March). Mental and Psychological Problems Affect half of HIV Group. HIV alerts treatment, 27-29.

Marsiglia, F. F., Kulis, S., Perez, H. H., and Parsai, B, M. (2011). Hopelessness, family stress, and Depression among Mexican Heritage Mothers in the Southwest. Journal of Health and Social Work, 36, 7-18.