Depression: an Overview

Depression. The word itself might give you an uneasy feeling. You might picture a depressed person as one who spends her days curled up in bed in a dark room or one who walks as if underwater, with a face that is expressionless and eyes that are dead. It seems that depression is dark and bleak, a life full of doom and gloom. Fortunately, depression can be treated.

Depression is a medical illness that affects 15% of the world's population, including 19 million Americans. Depression goes far beyond just feeling "blue". It is a constant feeling of sadness, unhappiness and worthlessness. Depression does not discriminate. It can occur in anyone.

There are many causes of depression. It can be genetic. It can be caused by prolonged substance abuse or a traumatic event. It can be caused by certain medications or other illness, such as cancer or heart disease.

There are three separate depressive disorders, described in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). They are:

Major Depressive Disorder

• Depressed mood lasting almost all day, everyday for at least a period of 2 weeks.
• Loss of interest in activities that once brought joy
• Significance weight loss or weight gain
• Loss of sleep or too much sleep
• Excessive feelings of worthlessness or guilt
• Increased fatigue
• Lack of ability to concentrate or make a decision
• Thoughts of death or suicide

Dysthymic Disorder
• General feelings of hopelessness
• Fatigue and lack of energy
• Increase or decrease in appetite
• Poor self-esteem
• Loss of sleep or too much sleep
• Lack of ability to concentrate or make a decision

Manic Depression (the depressive state that occurs in bi-polar disorder)
• Loss of interest in activities
• Weight loss or weight gain
• Lack of ability to concentrate or make a decision
• Fatigue and lack of energy
• Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
• Thoughts of death or suicide
• Periods of mania, or feeling "high"

Treatment for depression is available. Depending on the severity, a doctor might prescribe anti-depressants and counseling. For mild cases, only counseling might be sufficient. Life-style changes are encouraged.

If you feel you may have depression, or know someone who does, it would be in your best interest to see a doctor. They will be able to give you the help you need, whether it be medication or a referral to a therapist. When speaking with your doctor, it is very important to be completely honest about your symptoms in order to get an accurate diagnosis. Remember, the doctor is not there to judge you; he is there to help you.

Works Cited

www.psychcentral.com/lib/2006/types-and-symptoms-of-depression/
www.psyweb.com/Mdisord/jsp/gendepress
www.depression.com/causes_of_depression