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Depression
What is depression?
Everyone gets the blues now and then. It's part of life. But when there is little joy or pleasure after visiting with friends or after seeing a good movie, there may be a more serious problem. A depressed mood that stays around for a while, without let-up, can change the way a person thinks or feels. Doctors call this "clinical depression."
Being "down in the dumps" over a period of time is not normal. A person who feels this way needs medical help. For most people, depression can be treated successfully. "Talk" therapies, drugs, or other methods of treatment can ease the pain of depression. There is no reason to suffer.
What are the symptoms of depression?
When a person is clinically depressed, his or her ability to function both mentally and physically is affected, and the trouble may last for weeks, months or even years. Here is a list of the most common signs of depression. If several of these symptoms last for more than 2 weeks, see a doctor.
An "empty" feeling, ongoing sadness and anxiety
Tiredness, lack of energy
Loss of interest or pleasure in ordinary activities, including sex
Sleep problems, including very early morning awakening
Problems with eating and weight (gain or loss)
A lot of crying
Aches and pains that just won't go away
Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions
Feelings that the future looks grim; feeling guilty, helpless, or worthless
Irritability
Thoughts of death or suicide; a suicide attempt.
Symptoms vary widely among people and, sometimes, depression can hide behind a smiling face. Don't ignore the warning signs. At its worst, serious depression can lead to suicide. Listen carefully when a friend or relative complains about being depressed or of people not caring. The person may be telling you that he or she needs help.
What causes depression?
There is no single cause of depression. For some people, just one event can bring on the illness. Others seem to become depressed for no clear reason. It appears to be caused by a combination of genetic, biological, and psychosocial factors.
Sometimes, people develop depression as a result of taking certain medications or with certain illnesses. Some drugs used to treat arthritis, heart problems, high blood pressure, and cancer can produce depression. The effects of these drugs may not always be clear right away. Scientists also think that some illnesses themselves can bring about depression. These include Parkinson's disease, stroke, and hormonal disorders such as thyroid disease.
Genetics, too, can play a role. Studies show that some forms of depression run in families. Children of depressed parents may be at a higher risk of getting the disease themselves.
How is depression treated?
Depression is the most treatable of all mental illnesses. About 60 to 80 percent of depressed people can be treated successfully. Depending on the case, various kinds of therapies seem to work. Treatments such as psychotherapy and support groups help people deal with major changes in life. Several short-term (12-20 weeks) "talk" therapies have proven useful. One method helps patients recognize and change negative thinking patterns that have led to the depression. Another approach focuses on improving a patient's relationships with people as a way to reduce depression and feelings of despair.
Antidepressant drugs can also help. These medications can improve mood, sleep, appetite, and concentration. There are several types of these drugs available. Drug therapies often take at least 4 to 12 weeks before there are real signs of progress and may need to be continued for 6 months or longer after symptoms disappear.
Where can I get help for depression?
The first step to getting help is to overcome negative attitudes that stand in the way. The subject of mental illness still makes many people uncomfortable. Some feel that getting help is a sign of weakness. Many people mistakenly believe that a depressed person can quickly "snap out of it" or that some people are too old to be helped.
Once the decision is made to get medical advice, start with the family doctor. The doctor, whether in private practice, a clinic, or a health maintenance organization, should decide if there are medical or drug-related reasons for the symptoms of depression. After a complete exam, the physician may refer the patient to a mental health specialist for further study and possible treatment. Be aware that some doctors may share some of the negative attitudes about depression and may not take the complaints seriously. Insist that your concerns be taken seriously or find a doctor who is willing to help.
If a depressed person refuses to go along with evaluation and treatment, relatives or friends can be reassuring. Explain how treatment will reduce symptoms and make the person feel better.
Don't avoid seeking help because you are afraid of how much treatment might cost. Often, the problem can be solved with weeks -- not months or years -- of therapy or medication. Also, community mental health centers offer treatment based on a patient's ability to pay.
Source: U.S. Public Health Service's Office on Women's Health, Depression F.A.Q.
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44 and morning the loss of my 17 year marriage and loss of my children in my daily life. I have not been on a SSRI since the divorce. I have started one today. 40mg of Celexia. What can I expect and how long bfore I start to feel some relief from this hell I am living in. (Fri Jan 18 13:22 2008) I am currently taking 10 mg of lexapro for my gad and depression.Today is my 12th day on the treatment.I am starting to feel alittle better but I'm still not where I used to be.Of course I am unemployed piled up with bills with no way to pay them all,so that doesn't help.I lost my stepmom in Feb.at the age of 56.She had a sudden massive heart attack.I want to stay on the Lex. for at least 2 months to see if I get the full affect which they say takes 4 to 6 weeks.My side effects are low libido and still waking up with obbsessive thoughts.I take my thyroid meds early morning(730am),then my Lex around late afternoon(430pm).My appitite is coming back gradually.I have cut out all caffine and also take a Womens daily vitamin.Hope and Relief to all of us who are suffering out there.Take care all.
Will Update after a month on the Lex to let everyone know how its going. (Sat Apr 22 15:03 2006) Hi Im 49 soon be 50 in may may be that is not helping I had a spinal opp 1 year ago so now im off work life seems to be getting me down I just cant cope with people around me so my doctor has put me on CIPRALEX so I see how I get on with them my sleep is crazy dream's seem to drive me mad then when I wake up from a little sleep I fill very lonly & wonder what the future is the doctor's say I cant return to work so I have to get my head around that plus this winter weather dont help me thank's for reading this Steve (Fri Feb 3 8:56 2006) hi guys I have been diagnosed with Bi polar, Schizophrenia,ADD,Depression,and Anxiety. I'm23 year old male, and It has been tough, althroughout school, thinking that people could read my mind,and that everyone hated me. The obsessions are far to much to handle sometimes, I've never saw life through "normal eyes". I made it through school, but failed at college. I also made the hard decision to come out to my father, (who is a Pastor) and his devoted wife, (my mother), last summer, they didn't take it to well; it's just as well, I don't feel worthy of the Love anyways.I also zone out constantly, and don't remember talking to people, I have horrible mood swings, I has taken me 50 minutes to write this. it does get better with therapy, and the right meds, right? (Thu Feb 2 0:53 2006) I'm glad I have depression and not a bipolar disorder... my doc gave me Deroxat and it worked. I don't take it anymore and try to cope with mental concentration. Still, what a drag! (Wed Feb 1 18:20 2006) I have serious bipolar II disorder. We've tried multi meds, I continue with mood swings etc. Dr is recommending clozapine as "last ditch" effort. Besides being highly toxic, any thoughts? (Wed Apr 13 23:20 2005) I have just changed from buspar to lexipro. Has anyone experienced any loss of libido? This is a concern for me because my doctor claims thre's nothng he can give me for the potential libido problem that I've experienced with other antidepressents... Any thots?? Thanks Seeking candidates for phone research survey (60 minutes, compensated). HIPAA Compliant Privacy. Email interest to snalbone@rxvp.com (Survey Company RXVP, INC.) (Fri Mar 28 9:52 2003) "Doctors are recognizing that many patients previously thought to have depression may instead have a subtler form of bipolar disorder." Read this for more. ( Tue Mar 11 8:08 2003) Depression has been a long term thing with me but medications have really helped. Lexipro, lately. I became tolerant of Prozac. |
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