Facts
About Depression .
What
is depression?
Everyone
gets the blues now and then, but when there is little
joy or pleasure after visiting with friends or after
seeing a good movie, there may be a more serious problem.
A depressed mood that stays around for a while, without
letting up, can change the way a person thinks or
feels. Doctors call this “clinical depression.”
Depression
is a common, serious illness and not a personal weakness.
Depression can happen to anyone, at any age, and to
people of any race or ethnic group. It is never a
“normal” part of life. Depression, which is treatable,
can come from chemical imbalances in the brain, hormonal
changes, medications or things going on in your life.
Women
suffer from depression twice as often as men. One
out of four women may have depression sometime during
their lifetime. Many people suffer with depression
but do not seek help.
What
are the symptoms of depression?
If
you experience five or more of the following symptoms
and they last for more than two weeks, or if the symptoms
interfere with your daily routine, see a doctor or
a qualified mental health professional. A physical
examination to rule out other illnesses may be recommended.
- a
persistent sad, anxious or “empty” mood
- sleeping
too little or too much
- reduced
appetite and weight loss, or increased appetite
and weight gain
- loss
of interest or lack of pleasure in activities once
enjoyed, including sex
- restlessness
or irritability
- persistent
physical symptoms that don't respond to treatment
(such as headaches, chronic pain, or constipation
and other digestive disorders)
- difficulty
concentrating, remembering or making decisions
- fatigue
or loss of energy
- feeling
guilty, hopeless or worthless
- thoughts
of death or suicide
What
causes depression?
Many
things can lead to clinical depression. Following
are factors that can contribute to the illness:
- Biological
- People with depression may have too little or
too much of certain brain chemicals. Changes in
these brain chemicals may cause or play a role in
clinical depression.
- Cognitive
- People with negative thinking and low self-esteem
are more likely to develop clinical depression.
- Gender
- Women experience clinical depression nearly twice
as often as men. The reasons for this are still
not understood, but may include hormonal changes
women go through during menstruation, pregnancy,
childbirth and menopause. Other reasons may include
the stress caused by the many responsibilities that
women have.
- Co-occurrence
- Depression is more likely to occur along with
certain illnesses, such as heart disease, cancer,
Parkinson’s disease, diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease
and hormonal disorders.
- Medications
- Side effects of some medications can bring about
depression.
- Genetic-
A family history of clinical depression increases
the risk for developing the illness.
- Situational
- Difficult life events, including divorce, financial
problems or the death of a loved one can contribute
to clinical depression.
How
is depression treated?
Depression
is the most treatable of all mental illnesses. About
60 percent to 80 percent of depressed people can be
treated successfully. Depending on the case, various
kinds of therapies seem to work. Treatments such as
psychotherapy and support groups help people deal
with major changes in life. Several short-term (12-20
weeks) “talk” therapies have proven useful. One method
helps patients recognize and change negative thinking
patterns that led to the depression. Another approach
focuses on improving a patient's relationships with
people as a way to reduce depression and feelings
of despair.
Antidepressant
drugs can also help. These medications can improve
mood, sleep, appetite and concentration. There are
several types of antidepressant drugs available. Drug
therapies often take time before there are real signs
of progress. It is important to keep taking medication
until it has a chance to work. After feeling better,
it is important to continue the medication for at
least four to nine months to prevent a recurrence
of the depression. Never stop taking an antidepressant
without consulting your doctor. Antidepressant drugs
can have side effects but they are usually temporary.
If side effects persist and are troublesome, contact
your doctor. In some cases, you may need to try different
medicines to find the one(s) that help the most.
Are
there things I can do to help myself?
- Set
realistic goals and don’t take on too many tasks.
- Try
to be with others and confide in someone.
- Participate
in activities that you enjoy.
- Exercise
in moderation.
- Remember
feeling better will take time.
- Don’t
make any important decisions until the depression
has lifted.
- Let
your family and friends help you.
