Our lives are filled with happiness and sorrow, good times and bad. Fortunately, these are just every day occurances that pass quickly. However, sometimes we are feeling more than just a little blue or sad. The level of depression can be severe or possibly even fatal. If these feelings continue, clinical depression may be the culprit.
According to the National Mental Health Association,"clinical depression is much more than a sad feeling or "the blues". It is a serious medical condition that can change a persons mood, behavior and feelings." If not treated, the episode can last nine months to a year and will probably happen again during a person's lifetime. The National Mental Health Association estimates that more than eleven million suffer from this greatly misunderstood illness.
Like cancer, clinical depression knows no boundaries. Regardless of age, sex, race or income, anyone can be or become a victim of clinical depression. However, some people may be more likely to suffer from depression.
Clinical depression often runs in families much like cancer or heart disease. Chemical balances are inherited from one generation to the next. Stress can also put an individual at a greater risk for depression. People who are generally susceptable to depression can be at a even greater risk if they experience prolonged periods of stress. Life altering crisis can also lead to depression. Research has proven that three neurotransmitters are known to play a significant role in the regulation of moods. They are: norepinephrine, dopamine and serotonin.
Upbringing and life experiences can also cause depression. In Dr. Klein's book, Understanding Depression, there are three types of thinking that occurs when people become depressed:
1. Understanding oneself - low self-esteem from believing that one is inadequate.
2. Negative view of one's current experience - depressed people perceive themselves as unable to achieve goals/experience pleasure.
3. Pessimism - belief that things will not improve.
Many of these traits can just be part of an individuals character. It is also possible that these traits may be "learned". Abusive relationships with parents can also cause these types of feelings and emotions.
People experiencing depression often show signs of various systems. The severity of these symptoms varies with each individual. The Brain Disorders Network gives the following list of symptoms of depression.
Persistent sad, anxious or "empty" mood
Feelings of hopelessness, pessimism
Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, helplessness
Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities once enjoyed, including sex.
Insomnia, early-morning awakening or oversleeping
Appetite and/or weight los or overeating and weight gain
Decreased energy, fatigue
Thoughts of death or suicide, suicide attempts
Restlessness, irritability
Difficulty concentrating, remembering, making decisions
Persistant physical symptoms that do not respond to treatment, suh as headaches or chronic pain.
If these syptoms have occured for two weeks or longer, clinical depression may be the reason. If you think you might be clinically depressed, take this QUIZ.
According to the Childrens Hospital of Michigan gives the following tips for parents:
- Always treat threats of suicide seriously.
Eliminate factors that may contribute to depression (family conflicts or disturbances.
Don't just talk. Listen and acknowledge what your child says.
If you think your child is contemplating suicide, seek intervention immediately.
Don't blame yourself or your child.
A caring response can make a profound difference.
Seek support of parents who have gone throught or who are going through similar problems.
Research show that more women suffer from depression than men. However, some people believe that more women are just more inclined to seek treatment. In an article by Health-Net, multiple reasons point to depression in women. Some risk factors are: PMS and menstruation, childbirth and the fluctuating of hormones.
Information obtained from the Medical Data Exchange states that men also suffer from depression. While studies show they suffer from depression less than women, the consequences of men suffering from can depression can be much worse. The suicide rate of men suffering from depression is significantly higher than that for women. Because men wait longer to seek medical treatment, their illness can be much worse. But with the right treatment, chances are good that the depression will be cured or at lease significantly reduced.
According to the National Mental Health Associationdepression affects approximately 15 out of every 100 adults over the age of 65 in the United States. Depression in the elderly can be a relapse of an earlier episode or can occur for the first time often brought on by another medical illness. Recognizing depression in the elderly an be compiated by medication, life changes and other illnesses.
Common symptoms of late life depression include:
- Persistent sadness
Feeling slowed down
Excessive worries about health and finances
Frequent tearfulness
Feelings of worthlessness or helplessness
Weight changes
Pacing and fidgeting
Difficulty sleeping
Difficulty concentrating
Physical symptoms
It is vital that the elderly seek treatment for their depression. Suicide is more common among older people than any other group. 25% of the nations suicide rates are committed by people over the age of 65.
Clinical depression is very treatable with very good results. Up to 80% of people suffering from depression can successfully be treated. Getting treatment saves lives.
Accordng to theNational Institute of Mental Health,there are three basic types of treatment for depression. They are: medications, psychosocial therapy or electrosonvulsive therapy. They may be used singly or in combinaton with each other.
There are many types of medications currently available and more are being produced. The drugs given for individuals with depresion do not produce "highs" in normal individuals. Because they are not mind altering for the normal individual, they have never been considered "street drugs". p>When a patient is having effective results with a medication, they will generally continue to benefit and not become immune or intolerabe. Most drugs must be taken a minimum of 2 to 4 weeks before the benefits can be realized. It may take as long as 2 to 3 months before the maximum benefits can be noticed.
The dosage may fluctuate occasionally during treatment. It is important to work closely with a Dr. during this time. Several drugs may have to be tried to find the one that works more effectively. The most common side effects are: drymouth, constipation, light-headedness, increased appetite/weight gain.
Psychological management a/k/a talk therapy is another way to treat depression. In mild cases of depression, it may be all that is required for treatment. In many other cases, it is used in conjunction with medication. This treatment resolves problems through emotional support and also by shedding light on earlier experiences.
Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) is another possible treatment for depression. ECT is a highly contraversial form of treatment and generally only used in extreme cases. It may be used when someone is severly depressed, at high risk for suicide, not responding to other treatment or unable to take medication because of medical reasons. With ECT, patients are put under anesthetic and muscle relaxent is given to minimize muscular response during treatment. Electrodes are placed on the head. These treatments can cause memory loss and some believe it can impair the ability to learn new information.
In conclusion, depression is a serious medical illness requiring medical attention. It is highly treatable with a significant success rate. If you or anyone you know is depressed, please seek the appropriate treatment as soon as possible. Take back your life!!
Other Links Containing Informaion On Depression
One TEENS Story about dealing with depression
Womenand Depression
Worst things to say to a depressed person
Bestthings to say to a depressed person
The Black Fog - Clinical Depression
