Homelessness is a constant battle in the United States. The causes are numerous, and the effects are serious. Shelters are over crowded, and many people are forced to sleep outside with no food or cover. Death, illness, and serious psychological problems can be related to being homeless. One of the major psychological problems with those who are homeless is depression. .
By definition, depression is a time period in which one is low, or has little happiness. Everyone, from time to time, reaches lows, and even extreme lows. This is considered normal and individuals move on, except in some cases. There are people who have chemical imbalances in their brains that cause them to be depressed. Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is a commonly diagnosed psychiatric disorder among adults today (Nathan 226). .
For a person to be considered depressed, they must have the symptoms of depression for two consecutive weeks. There are several symptoms that a person with MDD will show daily.
1. Significant weight loss.
2. Insomnia or hypersomnia.
3. Psychomotor agitation or retardation.
4. Fatigue or loss of energy.
5. Feeling of worthlessness or excessive/inappropriate guilt.
6. Decreased concentration or indecisiveness.
7. Suicidal ideation, plan, or attempt. (Nathan 226-227) .
When these signals are evident, it is important for the person to seek help, but at times those who are living these troubles do not realize what they are going through and feel that everything is normal. One of the most common feelings is that everyone else is feeling the same way. Children as well as adults can suffer from MDD. .
Children can also be diagnosed with MDD. They show the same signs plus anhedonia and irritable moods (Ollendick 272). The child with MDD may not function as well as other children of the same age. A young child would not know if what he or she is feeling is normal or not due to lack of exposure to others who are having the same difficulties.
