What is Depression?
Mental illnesses are disorders of the brain which interfere with a person's thinking, feeling, moods, and ability to relate to others. Depression is one of these mental illnesses. It can lead to withdrawal from activities and people; loss of pleasure and enjoyment of life; feelings of sadness, loneliness and disappointment; physical discomfort such as a aches, pains, fatigue, poor digestion, sleep disturbances, etc.
There is a difference between sadness or “the blues� and depression. For one thing, depression lasts longer. Grieving (for instance of the loss of a job, a boy or girlfriend, a death) is a very difficult time, but if it lasts six months or more there should be more investigation for the possibility of clinical depression or mental illness. Sometimes a loss might be “the last straw� which brings up unresolved issues in life culminating in symptoms related to mental illness such as major depression.
Depression can affect anyone at anytime. Depression does not respect socio or economic status; prominent, highly successful people may suffer deeply from depression just as the rest of us can. Elderly people may become depressed over retirement, physical problems, or the loss of loved ones. Middle-aged adults can be affected when children leave home or life goals seem out of reach. Married people may develop depression more than singles due to conflicts in married life. Young adults may become depressed as they begin to struggle with new responsibilities and search for their life paths. Adolescents experience social and physical changes which can lead to wide mood swings. Children, even babies, can suffer depression which is often related to family conflicts; symptoms usually pass quickly, but should never be ignored. Women are twice likely as men to be diagnosed with depression which may be due to biological differences or a greater willingness to express feelings.
Depression may be caused by
- Shortages or imbalances of certain chemicals in the brain.
- Life changes-either positive or negative.
- Excessive use of alcohol and other drugs.
- The tendency to suffer from depression may be genetic.
- Development of serious illnesses may cause depression.
- Some medications can cause side effects similar to depression.
What about treatment? First of all, science tells us that the longer mood disorders like depression go untreated, the worse they can become and the more difficult they are to treat. How is depression treated? Consultation with professionals such as psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, psychotherapists, and psychiatric nurses is important. These people are trained to recognize and recommend treatment for depression. Recommended treatments may include prescribed medication, megavitamin therapy, a healthy exercise regimen to increase endorphin activity, psychotherapy (talk therapy) to talk out issues and reach resolution and develop coping skills, learning relaxation techniques to reduce stress levels, proper hygiene habits, good nightly sleep patterns, and good daily nutrition habits.