What is depression?
Depression is one of the greatest problems of our time! Here I will discuss the latest depression statistics, reveal surprising facts about underlying depression causes, what works for depression in the long-term, and what programs are available to people.
Depression is more than just the "blues," being "down in the dumps," or experiencing temporary feelings of sadness we all have from time to time in our lives. It is a serious condition that affects a person's mind and body. It impacts all aspects of everyday life including eating, sleeping, working, relationships, and how a person thinks about himself/herself.
People who are clinically depressed cannot simply make themselves feel better or just "snap out of it." If they do not receive appropriate treatment, their symptoms can continue for weeks, months, or years. And if you have it, you’re not alone:
· According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), about 7 percent of the adult U.S. population has major depressive disorder.
· One in four women will have a severe or major depression in their lifetime. For men it is one in eight.
· 44 percent of American college students reported feeling symptoms of depression.
Surprising Statistics:
· It is estimated that only about 10% of people suffering from depression ever seek treatment. This is significant because if left untreated depression can lead to serious physical damage.
· Alcohol and depression have a close correlation. Estimates show that as much as 40% of people who abuse alcohol suffer from depressive symptoms. Likewise 5%-10% of people who suffer from depression abuse alcohol.
Who is most likely to suffer from depression?
· Women
· People with lower incomes
· Those with a family history of major depression
· Those who have experienced a stressful life event
· Very often, the disease first appears between the ages of 25 and 30.
Causes?
The exact cause of depression is not known. Many researchers believe it is caused by chemical changes in the brain. This may be due to a problem with your genes, or triggered by certain stressful events. More likely, it's a combination of both.
Some types of depression run in families. But depression can also occur if you have no family history of the illness. Anyone can develop depression, even kids!
The following may play a role in depression:
· Alcohol or drug abuse
· Certain medical conditions, including underactive thyroid, cancer, or long-term pain
· Certain medications such as steroids
· Sleeping problems
· Stressful life events, such as:
- Death or illness of someone close to you
- Divorce
- Childhood abuse or neglect
- Job loss
- Social isolation (common in the elderly)
Common Symptoms of Clinical Depression:
There are different forms of clinical depression with different combinations of the following symptoms:
Physical:
· Sleep disturbances-insomnia, oversleeping, waking much earlier than usual
· Changes in appetite or eating: much more or much less
· Decreased energy, fatigue
· Headaches, stomachaches, digestive problems or other physical symptoms that are not explained by other physical conditions or do not respond to treatment
Behavioral/Attitude:
· Loss of interest or pleasure in activities that were once enjoyed, such as going out with friends, hobbies, sports, etc.
· Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions
· Neglecting responsibilities or personal appearance
Emotional:
· Persistent sad or "empty" mood, lasting two or more weeks
· Crying "for no reason"
· Feeling hopeless, helpless, guilty or worthless
· Feeling irritable, agitated or anxious
· Thoughts of death or suicide
Are there different types of depression?
There are a number of different types of depression including:
· major depression
· chronic depression (dysthymia)
· bipolar depression
· seasonal depression (SAD or seasonal affective disorder)
· psychotic depression
· postpartum depression
· substance-induced mood disorder (SIMD)
Where can I get help? What are the treatments?
If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of depression, seek your health care provider's advice for treatment or referral to a mental health professional. Depression carries a high risk of suicide. Anybody who expresses suicidal thoughts or intentions should be taken very, very seriously. Do not hesitate to call your local suicide hotline immediately.
Call:
1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433) or 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255)
Warning signs of suicide include:
· thoughts or talk of death or suicide
· thoughts or talk of self-harm or harm to others
· aggressive behavior or impulsiveness
In general, treatments for depression include:
- Medications called antidepressants
- Talk therapy, called psychotherapy
