Overview of Depression

We have all felt sad at some point in our lives. Feeling sad is a normal emotion that occurs when bad things happen, but what happens when the sadness doesn't go away or it starts occurring without a reason? Depression can happen to all of us and it is not something that is pleasant to go through. Depression causes a person to feel and think a lot of different things and it is a very serious condition that needs to be treated instead of left alone. This summary will cover many different aspects of depression such as symptoms, causes, types, treatments, and how it affects a person.

Depression is an illness of the brain. MRI's have shown that brain's look and function differently in those that are depressed although images can't show what is causing the depression. Depression seems to be caused from a combination of environmental, genetics, biochemical, and psychological factors rather than a single cause. Sometimes something traumatic happens, a type of depression runs in the family, a person is in a difficult situation or relationship, or there is a loss of a loved one...these can all be causes of depression (Source 1).

There are several different types of depression as well. Major depression is often reoccurring and prevents a person from being able to function normally and is often the most common type of depression. Dystimic depression does not have as serious symptoms, but it is long term. Psychotic depression happens when depression is present with some form of other psychological problem such as delusions. Postpartum depression occurs in mothers within one month of delivering a baby. Seasonal Affective Disorder has to do with the change of seasons. SAD is brought on by winter when the sun is not as present...so yes the absent of sunlight does affect some people. Bipolar is the last type of depression and deals with extreme mood changes...feeling great one minute and the next feeling miserable (Source 1).

Depression interferes with a person's normal life and causes suffering to the person and those who are close to them. Depression is a serious illness and it does not go away on its own. Those who don't get treatment can be depressed for years if it doesn't lead them to suicide first. Depression affects a person on a whole; their mind, body, and health are all affect by depression. Some signs of depression include changes in sleeping patterns (not sleeping enough or sleeping too much), having suicidal thoughts, feeling a depressed mood, losing interest or pleasure in things you once enjoyed, thoughts of feeling worthless or guilty, not being able to concentrate, changes in appetite, energy changes, and psychomotor disturbances. A person must display 5 or more of these signs for at least 2 weeks to be diagnosed with depression (Source 2).

Depression is treated using different methods depending on the diagnosis for that person. Most of the time therapy is going to be offered and will be the first step. It takes awhile, but the therapist has steps they go through to get the person to open up to them and realize the severity of the problem and if it can be fixed with counseling or if other methods need to be used. Sometimes medications such as antidepressants will be prescribed to the person to help normalize brain chemicals if it is believed that there is a chemical unbalance. If medications or psychotherapy seem to not be working there is also electroconvulsive therapy (Source 1).

Most people who have depression do not seek out help and won't admit to being depressed. Most of the time they are trying to rationalize what is happening to them and they don't want others to know which is why it's very important that if you think someone is depressed that you seek out help for them before it is too late. Suicide looks like a very good way out to a person who is dealing with depression. Depression is very treatable so if you suspect someone is depressed get them help even if they become angry with you at least they will be alive. Contact a doctor or a mental health facility; if they are suicidal contact a crisis hotline. Let the person know that you are there for them as well and they aren't alone in this battle. Often times the depressed person does want someone they can confide in and feel safe around. Seek action so you and your loved ones don't have to suffer any longer.