Depression
What is depression?
Depression is a common mood disturbance. It has been estimated that
serious depression affects one person in five at some point during their
lives.
A common feature of depression is feeling bad physically even though
there is no organic cause. Some typical physical aliments which a depressed
person can experience are such symptoms as chronic fatigue, headaches,
backaches, digestive problems, sleeping too much or sleeping too little.
There are various degrees of depression. Sadness can occur as a result
of losing or breaking an inexpensive object, an ending relationship,
or the loss of a loved one. Ups and down are a part of life. Usually we
feel better after an acceptable period of time, as our mood lifts naturally.
But feelings of depression are unacceptable when they are severe, are accompanied
by thoughts of suicide, interfere with the ability to work or enjoy relationships,
or the depression is not going away.
Common symptoms of depression
Sad, depressed mood
Loss of interest and pleasure in usual activities
Difficulties in sleeping (insomnia); not falling asleep initially, not
returning to sleep after awakening in the middle of the night, and early
morning awakenings; or, in some patients, a desire to sleep a great deal
of the time
Shift in activity level, becoming either lethargic (psychomotor retardation)
or agitated
Poor appetite and weight loss, or increased appetite and weight gain
Loss of energy, great fatigue
Negative self-concept; self-reproach and self-blame; feelings of worthlessness
and guilt
Complaints or evidence of difficulty in concentrating, such as slowed thinking
and indecisiveness
Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide
Who depression affects
Depression can affect people of all walks of life and at any age. People
who are rich or poor, successful or not, suffer from the potentially devastating
effects of depression.
What causes depression?
All the exact causes of depression are not known. Various factors can
play critical roles in this illness, including
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Biochemical imbalances
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Imbalances of certain chemicals in the brain can cause depression.
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Environmental factors
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Bad things happen to people and sometimes these can lead to depression.
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Personality type
-
Some people's poor self-image or negative expectations and other self-defeating
attitudes can be a factor in depression.
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Genetic influences
-
Depression runs in families and it is probable that the tendency to be
depressed is inherited.
Treatment
Depression can be treated successfully! Treatment of this illness can
include:
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Medication
-
The classifications of medicines known as Antidepressants can be very effective
in treating depression.
-
Psychotherapy
-
Many depressed people can benefit from working with a mental health professional
on underlying causes of their depression.
How does one know when to seek professional help for depression? Everyone
experiences some of the above symptoms at some times in their life. When
someone experiences any of these symptoms or a combination of these symptoms
for an extended period of time, or when symptoms are severe, it is time
to get professional help.
Depression is a very treatable illness. Please seek help if you suspect
you have depression. You deserve to be happy!
For emergency services or for referral to any of our services, please
call or visit the Access
Center
Accredited by Joint Commission
on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO)
