Depression
What is depression?
Depression is one of those all encompassing words like love or religion that people automatically have opinions about. Some people say depression is the result of anger turned inward while others proclaim that it's just a normal part of living. Research has defined two types of depression, situational and chronic. Most people get depressed from time to time for all sorts of reasons, such as a disappointment, a rejection, a loss, illness, or a conflict. Daily struggles and change can also trigger depression. Research has shown that there is also a genetic component. People with one or two parents who have depression are at greater risk than those with no genetic history. Situational depression typically has an identifiable 'triggering event', diminishes over time, is sometimes managed with support from friends and family, and usually doesn't last a long time. If it should persist for months, then it may become chronic requiring more treatment. Chronic depression has roots in the past, early life experiences, and, unlike situational depression, it persists.
Common symptoms of depression are:
- A change in eating
- A change in sleeping
- A sad mood
- General lack of interest
- Low energy
- Low self-esteem
- Poor concentration
- Difficulty making decisions
- Feelings of hopelessness
A more serious symptom would be thoughts of suicide. Most people at some time in their lives will experience many of these.
Who is affected by depression?
Most people at some time in their lives will experience depression. This is part of normal life. Many of us will notice when we are feeling depressed and will see it in others. In addition to the person experiencing depression, those who live and work and socialize with the depressed person are also at risk for depression. Some stages of life are more likely to be associated with depression than others. Depression is common in older age and also in the middle age periods of family and career building.
What are the treatments and benefits of treatment?
Psychotherapy and antidepressant medication are the most common treatments for depression. Along with exercise these treatments have been shown to be effective. What aspirin did for headache, Prozac has done for depression. Through word of mouth and TV shows like In Treatment, psychotherapy also has become widely known. The most effective treatment is usually a combination of psychotherapy and exercise and sometimes medication in combination or alone. Benefits of treatment can be measured against the person's symptoms. For example if the person had feelings of hopelessness before treatment, with treatment that person would be feeling more hopeful. Often with treatment people experience benefits in other parts of their life, for example eating better, sleeping better, in addition to improvements with those problems for which they initially sought treatment.
Information provided by Jerry Breakstone, M.S.W., L.C.S.W. Click here to see his PStL profile and find out how to contact him.
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