The Severity of Psychotic Depression
Suffering from depression can be a very serious and contentious situation. The reason for this is that contrary to what many people commonly believe depression is not a singular condition that is the same from person to person. In other words, there are varying degrees of depression and for some individuals the level of depression they reach can be severe enough to be labeled psychotic depression.
That is to say, the depression they suffer can create an instability in their mental health that reaches a point where they are a danger to themselves and other. Needless to say, psychotic depression requires immediate help and that help will not come out of reading a pop psychology book
Public Attitudes towards Depression
If there ever was a thoroughly (for lack of a better word) annoying aspect to dealing with depression it would be the condescending attitude many people have towards those who are suffering or dealing with psychotic depression. Now, this does not mean that there are people who purposely look to condescend towards someone who have a legitimate and serious illness simply because they look down upon the person. Rather, they do this because they lack a clear and definitive understanding of depression that is based on a depth of knowledge. Instead, they make rash and nonsensical judgments on the person based on the most trite of unprofessional assessments.
Defining This Form of Depression
Psychotic depression often refers to a type of depression that involves hallucinations and delusions. Often times, there may be an irrational reaction to these episodes as this would be any type of psychosis. Needless to say, when a person suffers from such a condition it could lead to an incident that could be harmful to all those who suffer from it.
If there was any consolation in regards to the suffering of this condition it would be the fact that those who suffer from it realize that their delusions and hallucinations and possibly voices in their head are not real. (Conversely, someone who suffers from schizophrenia does not realize that their psychosis is not real) It must be noted that simply because a person suffering from psychotic depression realizes their delusions are not real does not mean they are immune from any harm the delusions may cause. As such, it becomes critical for these people to seek the help of a qualified professional who can diagnose and treat the condition so that no harm comes to the person.
