Clinical depression is a growing epidemic, and it is important that it not be swept under the rug. One in every 10 people over the age of 18 will develop depression symptoms in their lifetime. It does not discriminate for women, men, children, and elderly can be affected. It’s more than just the “blues” its a specific set up symptoms that if lasting for more than 2 weeks and occuring nearly every day should be evaluated.
These symptoms include:
(1) depressed mood most of the day, nearly every day. In children and adolescents, can be irritable mood.
(2) markedly decreased interest or pleasure in all, or almost all, activities most of the day, nearly every day
(3) significant weight loss when not dieting or weight gain or decrease or increase in appetite nearly every day.
(4) insomnia or over-sleeping nearly every day
(5) Feelings of restlessness or feelings being slowed down almost every day
(6) fatigue or loss of energy nearly every day
(7) feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt
(8) Difficulty concentrating or indecisiveness (a change from the normal)
(9) recurrent thoughts of death (not just fear of dying), recurrent thoughts of harming yourself or someone else.
These symptoms, when not related to alcohol, drugs, grieving, or specific medical conditions should be evaluated by a physician.
Depression can be triggered by many things, and takes different forms in different people. Loss of a job, change in relationship status, retirement, declining medical status, dying family member, bullying or/and abuse are all potential triggers for depression. Grief can also be a trigger if the symptoms become progressively more severe and prolonged. However, one of the most common and unrecognized causes of depression is sustained stress (in whatever form it takes outside of the above mentioned triggers). More subtle stressors like financial, school work pressures, and family dysfunction can cause depression to go un-noticed. While these tend to be more situational in nature they should not be ignored, as they can progress and become full major depression.
The approach to treatment of depression can vary, however studies have show that the most successful treatment of depression includes pharmacological AND behavioral therapy. Again, this approach can vary from any combination of traditional medications (SSRI’s like Prozac, Paxil, Lexapro) and traditional behavioral therapy to non-traditional therapies (acupuncture), herbs & supplements (St. John’s Wort, 5- HTP, L-Tryptophan), and Life Skills Coaching. Whichever path you choose, know that it’s important to follow up on a regular basis to see if the treatments are working, and if not, to move on to the next regimen.
If you think a friend or family member is struggling with depression, it’s best not to judge or try to diagnose, treat, or fix them yourself. Gently suggesting and encouraging them to see their regular doctor may be the thing that gets them treatment and even saves their life.
If you think you may be suffering from depression, it is important for you to reach out and seek professional advice from your doctor. Know that suffering from depression doesn’t make you weak or crazy, and reaching out for help is a sign of strength and motivation to get better.
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