Depression

Depression is a feeling of sadness, distress, helplessness and despair which many people experience. It requires professional medical help, and is treatable. It comes in varying degrees of severity. Always remember it is an illness, not a personal failing! The following also has some big words, but hopefully it helps you understand how understood and normal it is.

The symptoms of depression vary, and every person has a different experience. Often, the onset of symptoms are slow and unnoticed, and people assume that they are transitioning into a ‘normal stage of life’. This is not true. For a list of symptoms of depression, check out the article ‘symptoms of depression’.

The mildest form of depression is also called Dysthymia, which often gets ignored or treated as a period of regular sadness. Left untreated, dysthymia – which has symptoms including change in eating habits, sleeping habits, decreased energy, low self esteem, poor concentration, and feelings of hopelessness – can turn into clinical depression.

There are 3 types of clinical depression: reactive, unipolar and bipolar. Reactive depression is a reaction to life circumstances. Unipolar is hereditary (from you ancestors – you are born with it) and brought on by a life circumstance, and bipolar depression is characterized by episodes of extreme happiness (elation) which dramatically switch into episodes of extreme depression.

Remember that you are important. Your life counts, and you can make a difference in this world. If you ever need to talk about this or anything else, feel free to get in touch with us. We’re here for you.

Depression can be triggered by a variety of causes: setbacks or disappointments in life, loss, divorce or breakup, money worries, academic work or difficulty, or medical illness, etc.

Depression is a result of physical changes in the brain, and an imbalance of a chemical which carries signals in your brain and nerves. Some causes of depression include: family history and genetics; trauma and stress (like financial problems, a breakup, a loss, graduating from school, getting married, or starting a new job); a pessimistic living environment: low self esteem; poor body image. Physical conditions and medical conditions can contribute to depression because they bring on physical weakness and stress, often a bad combination where one feeds the other.

Depression can affect anybody, though gender and age are a factor. Women are two times more likely to suffer depression than men, partially because of a higher level of hormonal change. Men, while less likely to get depressed, seek help less and are more often undiagnosed which can lead to substance abuse or suicide.

Depression is very treatable and over 80% of most serious depressions can be helped. To find out your diagnosis and your options, speak with your doctor immediately. There is help and hope available. Many people living with depression try to harm themselves because they believe that they are “stuck this way forever”. This isn’t true; your situation can change. Things will get better. Taking the first step by deciding to get treatment. It will make a big difference.

Remember that you are important. Your life counts, and you can make a difference in this world. If you ever need to talk about this or anything else, feel free to get in touch with us. We’re here for you.

Depression is not a normal phase of development, and it isn’t a necessary stage toward adulthood.

Depression and other mood disorders are common in teens ages 13 – 19, and some symptoms can include irritability, rebellion, and anger. Adolescent mood disorders, such as depression, can cause academic, social and physical difficulties and should not go untreated or ignored.

Often depression in teens goes unnoticed because there is a common assumption that emotional instability among teens is ‘just a phase’ or ‘normal youthful rebellion’. There is no doubt that normal growing hormonal changes affects all of us. However, please review the symptoms checklist and consult with your health care provider if you feel that the teen you know has the symptoms for more than 2 weeks. There is help, and there is hope. Untreated, depression can escalate in adulthood and result in other difficulties.

Symptoms of adolescent depression include

• Irritability
• Defiance
• Lack of interest in school
• Low self esteem
• Lost ability to enjoy activities
• Change of eating and sleeping habits
• Constant fatigue
• Stealing
• Fighting
• Trouble with the law.

At this stage, some may turn to drugs and alcohol to calm their minds and the constant stream of negative thoughts. In this condition addictions can become very common.

While hormones and moods do change as a child becomes an adult, if the checklist of symptoms is persistent, it is in the best interest of the teen and family to seek treatment and advice.

Remember that you are important. Your life counts, and you can make a difference in this world. If you ever need to talk about this or anything else, feel free to get in touch with us. We’re here for you.

Most cases of depression are mild. When symptoms are mild, most people ignore them and are never treated, leaving themselves chronically, emotionally disabled but unaware of it. Researchers estimate that at least six percent of the population are chronically unhappy, or in a state of mild depression. This state of mild depression has now been termed ‘Dysthymia.’

People with this form of depression are very susceptible to becoming severely depressed with advancing years or increasing stress. Fortunately, mild depression and Dysthymia respond to the same treatments as severe depression.

You may be suffering from Dysthymia if the following symptoms apply to you:

You have suffered from a depressed mood most of the time for most days for at least two years with at least two of the following:

• poor appetite or overeating,
• insomnia or oversleeping,
• low energy, always tired,
• low self esteem,
• poor concentration and difficulty making decisions,
• feelings of hopelessness; and these symptoms have interfered with your social or work life.

Remember

This checklist is to help you discuss your symptoms with your health care provider. It is not a substitute for support from your health care professional. Recognizing symptoms early on will help you find the support you need.

• I have moods which I would describe as sad, anxious or ‘empty’ which last for a long time
• I feel hopeless, pessimistic or have low self esteem
• I feel guilty and / or worthless
• My sleeping habits have changed; I oversleep or can’t sleep
• My eating habits have changed; I eat more or less
• My weight has changed; I have lost or gained weight
• I have less energy, feel tired, and slowed down
• I have begun to procrastinate and simple tasks are difficult
• I constantly feel like ‘life isn’t worth living like this’
• I have thought about death or suicide, or have attempted suicide
• I feel restless, irritable, my temper is bad and I can’t relax
• It’s difficult for me to concentrate, remember, and make decisions.
• My mind has an uncontrolled ‘sad’ feeling and I have negative thoughts I can’t keep out
• I have persistent physical symptoms (headaches, digestive disorders, chronic pain) which doesn’t respond to treatment
• I can’t turn off my anxiety and I uncontrollably worry about small things
• I have a difficult time making small talk and I am slowly isolating myself from others
• My family has a history of depression, alcoholism or nervous breakdowns

Remember that you are important. Your life counts, and you can make a difference in this world. If you ever need to talk about this or anything else, feel free to get in touch with us. We’re here for you.