Understanding Depression

Approximately 15 million people in the United States alone suffer from depression, a mood disorder that affects how people feel, think, and behave. Depression may be a temporary sadness following a death, divorce, transition, or loss, or it may be a longer-lasting experience that interferes with relationships, school, and recreation. Depression can also seem t come "out of the blue" with no clear precipitant.

While depression can be a devastating and debilitating experience, the good news is that 80-90% of those who seek help can feel better! Understanding depression can often be the first step in recovery.

Depression:

prolonged sadness or depression for most of the day for a period of weeks or months. This may be in response to something that would normally cause sadness (a death) or it may seem to appear "out of the blue". The difference between depression and a "bad day" is that it is more intense and much harder for the person to experience happiness or non-depressed feelings.

Dysthymia:

is a chronic type of depression that lasts for a period of years. It may be difficult for people with dysthymia to remember a time when they weren't depressed.

Bipolar Disorder (formerly "manic depression):

is characterized by episodes of both depression and intense highs or "mania". The swings between depression and mania are often abrupt and intense. Those with bipolar disorder are best treated with a combination of counseling and medication.

• Feeling sad, depressed, or tearful for the majority of the day nearly every day;
• Difficulty functioning in various roles or daily activities (work, school, relationships);
• Increased/decreased appetite;
• Disrupted sleep (not being able to fall asleep, sleeping too much, waking up throughout the night, waking early in the morning before the alarm);
• Increased irritability;
• Fatigue, lethargy, or low energy;
• Intense feeling of hopelessness, worthlessness, or guilt;
• Difficulty concentrating, focusing, or remembering;
• Weight loss or weight gain;
• Social withdrawal or isolation;
• Increased use of drugs/alcohol;
• Pessimism or worry;
• Inability to enjoy the activities or hobbies that you would normally enjoy;
• Recurring suicidal thoughts.

Remember that most people usually experience the above symptoms at various times throughout their lives, and it doesn't necessarily mean that they're depressed. It may be "depression" when many symptoms occur at the same time, when they last for a long period of time, and when they are frequent and intense.

There is no one "cause" of depression, and it may in fact seem to appear from out of nowhere. There are, however, some triggers or contributors to depression:

Unresolved feelings:

past experiences such as negative family dynamics, grief, trauma, or abuse can contribute to depression if they are not resolved or explored.

Holding feelings in:

especially anger and sadness can often lead to depression. Holding in such feelings can cause them to "fester" and contribute to feeling depressed.

Interpersonal difficulties:

Feeling lonely, isolated, or socially anxious, or having intense interpersonal conflicts/difficulties can influence how someone feels and may lead to depression.

Biological factors:

Some people may have an "imbalance" in the chemical messengers in the brain (called neurotransmitters). This imbalance can lead to the disruptions in mood, sleep, energy, etc., often seen with depression.

When depressed people seek treatment, 80-90% get better. There are a variety of treatments available for depression, ranging from group or individual counseling to medications. Counseling can be useful to help you understand and cope with depression, learn new ways to express your feelings, and explore past issues. If medications are used, they are most helpful when used in conjunction with on-going counseling. Depression is a very real illness, and those who suffer from it need not feel ashamed, embarrassed, or "weak" for seeking help.