Staff Writer
At one time or another everyone experiences feelings of sadness or maybe even despair. However, just because you’re going through a hard time or you have had a bad day doesn’t mean you have depression. The Anxiety and Depression Association of America define major depression as, “A condition in which a person feels discouraged, sad, hopeless, unmotivated, or disinterested in life in general.”
It sounds familiar enough, but don’t get too worried, major depression would be intense negative feelings lasting for more than two weeks. This means feeling bad for a couple of days, although unenjoyable, doesn’t mean you should be heading to a psychologist or turning to medication. “Everyone has transient feelings of sadness and depression, especially in response to losses. But when the feelings and symptoms ... become intense and debilitating (interfering with daily living), and persist for more than a few days, then it might be clinical depression,” Jeanne L. Bolick LCSW says.
Quick Info on Depression:
- Three types: Major Depression, Dysthymia (Persistent Depression) and bipolar disorder.
- Major depression is intense negative feelings lasting for more than two weeks.
- Depression would interfere with daily life.
- There are treatments for depression such as psychotherapy and medication.
- If contemplating suicide, it is crucial that you seek help immediately.
- There are many sources for support: Trusted friends and family, health care professionals, the Suicide Prevention and Crisis Hotline (1.800.273.8255)
Just feeling down?
- Music and talking with trusted friends and family could also help with feelings of sadness.
- Exercise is proven to help improve your mood by releasing endorphins into your blood stream.
- Deep breathing, meditation and thinking positively can help your outlook on life.
- A healthy diet and getting enough sleep can help to brighten your day.
- Talking with a doctor about taking natural supplements to help boost your emotional health is also an option.
There are three types of depressive disorders to be aware of: major depression, dysthymia (Persistent Depressive Disorder) and bipolar disorder. Dysthymia, or PDD, is when a less severe depressive episode continues for at least two years. Bipolar disorder, previously known as manic depressive disorder, is when one goes from extreme or middle range elation to an incredible low. Each type of depression can affect one’s social behavior and in extreme cases can cause them to feel the need to end their life.
Once again, even if these feelings are relatable, it is not a diagnosis. However, if you are having suicidal thoughts it is of the utmost importance that you seek help. Three to five percent of the population suffers from major depression at any point in time.
While the cause of this mood disorder may differ from person to person, the science of it is still the same. “Depressive illnesses are disorders of the brain. Longstanding theories about depression suggest that important neurotransmitters—chemicals that brain cells use to communicate—are out of balance in depression,” says the National Institute of Mental Health. This means that depression cases are unique to each individual. People may experience depression differently based on their gender and age. Genes, environment and psychological factors could also cause or affect one’s depression.
Bolick says, “Depression is not the same in everyone. While some people exhibit symptoms of sadness and hopelessness, others might be more irritable and angry. Depressed individuals often feel guilty, worthless, have difficulty concentrating, have problems with sleep (too much or too little, waking up in the middle of the night), and have changes in appetite (eating too much or not enough). Other symptoms can be fatigue, aches and pains, and loss of interest in activities. The most serious symptoms are thoughts of suicide and suicide attempts.”
Certain types of medication also cause depression like symptoms, but a way to know for sure is to go and get a diagnosis from a doctor. Everyone has days where they are stressed and can’t sleep or are having mood swings, people can feel depressed and not have depression. But if the negative feelings are severe and continue over an extended period of time, it is crucial to seek help.
“Thankfully there are a number of treatments for depression,” Bolick says. Depression is more commonly treated with either medication or psychotherapy. The medication consists of antidepressants that will work a person’s neurotransmitters, dopamine, serotonin and norepinephrine. Medication, however, could take a while to take effect. It may take four to six weeks of taking antidepressants until there are results. Also, there may be side effects from medication. “The review revealed that 4 percent of those taking antidepressants thought about or attempted suicide (although no suicides occurred), compared to 2 percent of those receiving placebos,” the National Institute of Mental Health says, based on an FDA experiment.
Another option in place of or paired with the medication is psychotherapy. Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) are the types of psychotherapy. CBT helps with restructuring negative thought patterns and IPT is for talking through relationship problems that may be causing depression. If these treatments aren’t working for someone there are also therapies that stimulate the brain, such as Electroconvulsive Therapy, commonly known as shock therapy. To find out what treatment would work best or even for the diagnosis you can always visit a family doctor.
Bolick says, “Diagnosis and treatment can be provided by Licensed Clinical Social Workers, Clinical Psychologists, Licensed Professional Counselors, and by psychiatrists. Medications can be prescribed only by medical doctors, including pediatricians, primary care physicians, and psychiatrists.” For more information on mental disorders, Bolick recommends trusted websites such as the National Institute of Mental Health and the Harvard School of Medicine. There is also the Diagnostic and Statistic Manual, 5 edition (DSM-V) a catalog of all mental disorders. If you’re still considering it a possibility that you have depression, then please seek help.
Also, it is crucial to be there and support friends or family who may be depressed. Bolick adds that, “It’s important to note that sometimes the depression comes on very slowly, and the depressed individual can’t recognize that he or she is depressed. Sometimes family members or friends are the ones who recognize the depression first. They can then help persuade the individual to seek help.” Having depression may feel like it’s the end of the world, but it’s not, and there are resources available to treat depression. If you don’t give up, it will get better.
For more information on the types of depression and the treatments visit: National Institute of Mental Health website and/or Harvard School of Medicine website
