What You Should Know About Depression
Depression is a mood disorder that affects over 18 million Americans every year. Depression can be difficult to recognize and often goes without treatment because the suffering person may believe that they are just feeling sad or are not themselves lately. Without treatment, depression can cause difficulties with eating and sleeping, trouble having relationships with others, or even injury or death. Fortunately, for those suffering from depression, help is available through various therapies.
Depression has affected people throughout the history of time, but it has not always been recognized as an illness. Depression has been referred to as simple sadness or the manifestation of a person struggling with life changes. Sadness is one indication of depression, but symptoms are much more complex than a simple label. Signs and symptoms of depression include feelings of worthlessness, helplessness, or guilt; insomnia or sleeping too much; weight loss or weight gain; loss of energy; difficulty concentrating; and possibly feelings of self-harm, such as suicidal ideation.
There are various reasons why some people develop depression, and a diagnosis of depressive illness does not mean it is a lifelong disease for that person. Some people are genetically predisposed to developing depression and it may run in their family. Others are affected by seasons of the year when there is less light, a condition called seasonal-affective disorder. Large amounts of stress in a person’s life can cause depression resulting in feelings of lack of control if stress is not managed properly. There are also several medical conditions that can cause depression, such as following the birth of a baby or recovering from a major illness such as a heart attack.
Changes in a person’s life are stressful, and without proper management, the symptoms of depression can follow. Fortunately, there are several methods of treatment available for those that are suffering from depression. Counseling with a licensed therapist can help a person talk about what they are feeling and work through some of their emotions of grief, anxiety, or hopelessness that are part of the illness. Because depression can also be caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain, there are several medications that can be prescribed by a doctor that will equalize some of these chemicals, which will help a depressed person return to normal functioning again.
Depression can be a difficult diagnosis, and a depressed person may feel overwhelmed by their emotions. The good news is that the signs of depression can be recognized and a depressed person has options for treatment. By identifying the risk factors and seeking treatment if symptoms appear, depression can be successfully managed. With proper treatment, people that suffer from depression can live healthy and productive lives again.
For more information about the causes and treatment of depression, please refer to the following sites:
- Introduction to Depression: The types of depression, signs and symptoms, and therapies for treatment.
- Signs and Symptoms of Depression: An overview of the major signs of depressive disorder for those considering treatment.
- Depression Center: Prevention, signs and symptoms, and treatment for depression from the University of California in San Francisco.
- Rutgers College Counseling Center: An extensive explanation about discerning the differences between depression as a mood disorder and general sadness.
- Causes of Depression: The sources and potential risk factors for depressive illness.
- HealthWise: Defining depression, its causes, symptoms, and treatment, as well as help for loved ones.
- University of Michigan Health Center: Symptoms and causes of depression defined for those considering this mood disorder.
- How to Know if You are Depressed: An overview of the symptoms and characteristics of depression from the University of Texas at Austin.
- Center for Healthy Living: An article about the different types of treatment available for depression.
- Depression Evaluation and Treatment: An outline of various therapies available for depression and their side effects.
- UC Berkeley Mental Health: Care and treatment of the teenager suffering from depression.
- Depression: Help and information about depression for teens and their families.
- Depression Awareness: Symptom and treatment overview of depression. The information is written for New Hampshire university students, but is applicable to anyone.
- History of the Treatment of Depression: An outline of the development of treatments for depression, including counseling, therapy, and medications.
- Depression Alliance: An explanation about the causes and symptoms of depression, as well as where to find help for those in the UK.
