Depression
Depression is a word with many meanings and uses in various disciplines, including economics, geology, meteorology, and others. In this article its application in the field of psychology and mental health and the relationship to circumcision will be discussed.
Depression is more formally known as major depressive disorder or clinical depression,[1] and is classified as a mood disorder.[2]
Depression is a mental state of altered mood characterized by feelings of sadness, despair, and discouragement; distinguished from grief, which is realistic and proportionate to a personal loss. Repressed anger is thought to be a powerful contributor to depression[3] Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), which includes circumcision,[4] are a contributing factor.
Some features are a mood of depressed, sad, hopeless, discouraged or "down in the dumps". Decreased energy, tiredness, and fatigue are common. Frequently there may be thoughts of death, suicidal ideation, or suicide attempts. These thoughts range from thoughts that other persons would be better off if the person were dead, to transient but recurrent thoughts of committing suicide, to actual specific plans to commit suicide.[2]
Circumcision's contribution to depression
Typically, non-therapeutic infant circumcision is carried out on a helpless infant or small child who has no choice in the matter. Circumcision is the amputation and excision of functional tissue with numerous physiological functions which are irreversibly destroyed. the lost functions include protective, immunological, sensory, and sexual functions.[5]
When the child becomes older and comes to understand the nature of circumcision and of his irreversible loss for which there is no cure, he may become extremely angry regarding his injury and loss. The anger becomes repressed and contributes to depression.[6]
See also
References
- ↑
Wikipedia article: Major depressive disorder
- ↑ a b
Anonymous (1994): Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Editon. American Psychiatric Association. Pp. 317-322. ISBN 0-89042-062-9. Retrieved 10 March 2024.
- ↑
depression
, The Free Dictionary by Farlex. Retrieved 10 March 2024. - ↑
Bollinger D. Adverse Childhood Experiences, Dysfunctional Households, and Circumcision.. Kindred. 28 February 2023; Retrieved 10 March 2024.
- ↑
Functions of the Foreskin
, Circumcision Resource Center. Retrieved 10 March 2024. - ↑ Brown, Cherylann (2022).
Psychological Impact of Circumcision on Men
, Circumcision Resource Center. Retrieved 10 March 2024.
