Understanding Depression
RECOGNIZing THE SIGNS
Everybody feels down from time-to-time. However, it is important to recognize when these feelings may be a result of a serious medical illness. It is estimated that 1 in 14 adults in North America is diagnosed with clinical depression each year.
Depression is a complex condition characterized by profound sadness, lethargy, feelings of worthlessness, and a loss of interest in social activities. These feelings can last anywhere from two weeks to several years. The difference between the blues and clinical depression is its length and severity of symptoms.
"If you've gotten to the point where you're looking up depression online, then there's a good chance it's a real depression, not the blues. If you really are at the point where you think you might need therapy, you're probably right" says licensed therapist Tracey Kite.
PHYSICAL SYMPTOMS
In a study conducted by the University of Michigan; 69% of people diagnosed with depression also had muscle and joint pain, headaches, fatigue, and irritability. Today, studies are continuously being conducted to further understand the direct correlation and/or relationship between depression and the bodies’ physical reaction to it.
Sharon Charles Haznedar, a psychiatric nurse practitioner, and an administrative director for behavioral health services argues that depression is insidious because it often renders victims unable to ask for help. "I've had depressed patients tell me that they need a plan just to walk across the room. Simply put, depression drains a person's energy. The idea of visiting the doctor, figuring out whether your insurance plan will cover the visit, and filling prescriptions can be daunting and overwhelming when you're depressed” says Haznedar.
GENDER DIFFERENCES
Women are twice more likely to be diagnosed with depression than men. However, men have a higher suicide rate as a result of this debilitating condition. The National Institute of Mental Health indicate that depression is the leading cause of disability in North American between the ages of 15 and 44.
DEPRESSION = MORE DEPRESSION
Like an open wound or a broken bone, depression rarely heals itself. According to The Harvard Medical School Family Health Guide,
50% of all people who have had one episode of depression and did not seek help will likely have another. Furthermore, a person who has had multiple episodes without treatment have a 90% risk of having continuous relapses throughout their lifetime. As a result, successive episodes tend to get more severe and occur more frequently.
It is estimated that people with depression have an average of four to eight episodes in a lifetime. "If you think you may be depressed, get an evaluation. If you had bad headaches or stomach problems, you'd see a doctor without hesitation. The same principle applies if you think you are depressed" says Walter Brown, MD, clinical professor of psychiatry at Brown University
HELPFUL TIPS
Make an effort to take part in fun activities. Play with children at home or even in the neighborhood. Try something new or go back to an old activity you once enjoyed doing that gave you pleasure.
Start exercising regularly. Energizing activities can do a lot for your general health and often help in reducing stress.
Maintain a healthy diet. Avoid caffeine, or foods with large amounts of sugar. Caffeine releases stress hormones while sugar creates false highs and lows in one’s emotion
Avoid alcohol and drugs. Do your best to get an adequate amount of sleep.
Talk to a health care professional. Be honest with them as they may be able to recommend special medications or therapy.
Monitor how you are feeling and allow time to work through your issues and emotions.
Set achievable goals for yourself and stick to a routine.