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Understanding Depression
Posted: June 1, 2004
As we move through different stages in our lives, we enjoy and cherish happy times as well as face challenges. In fact, many of the things that bring us great joy and fulfillment, such as close relationships, a promotion, having a baby, or buying a home, also can cause stress on our mental health.
At some point we also have to cope with traumatic life events such as dealing with a loved one's serious illness or death, a loss of a job, domestic violence or sexual assault.
Changes in our physical health also affect our mental health. Changes in the body's hormone levels from pregnancy and childbirth, or from menopause, can cause depression, anxiety, irritability, and tearfulness. Depression also comes along with many illnesses such as cancer, heart disease, stroke, HIV, or autoimmune diseases.
We all feel worried, anxious or sad from time to time. But, a true mental health disorder makes it hard for a person to function normally.
While there are different mental health disorders, they all are real illnesses that can't be willed or wished away. You aren't at fault if you have one, and you should not suffer in silence. Be patient with yourself and reach out to others for help.
These illnesses can be treated successfully so that you can get back to enjoying life – not only for yourself, but for your family too.
What is depression?
Depression is an illness that affects the body, mood, and thoughts. About twice as many women suffer from depression as men.
People who are depressed may feel hopeless, worthless, very sad, and have no energy or interest in doing anything. Some people describe depression as an "empty or sad feeling that won't go away." This kind of depression that does not go away is called "clinical depression." It is different from feeling "blue" or down for a few hours or a couple of days.
What causes depression?
Many things cause depression. Depression can run in families. Changes in your brain chemistry and living through painful and difficult events in your life can cause depression. Sometimes depression is caused by certain medications people take for cancer, arthritis, heart problems, and high blood pressure. Some illnesses such as Parkinson's disease, stroke, and hormonal problems can cause depression.
What are the signs of depression?
Here is a list of the most common signs of depression. If you have some of these signs that last for more than two weeks, see your health care provider.
- Feeling empty, sad, and anxious
- Feeling tired, having no energy
- Feeling restless and irritable a lot of the time
- Crying more than usual
- Feeling worthless, helpless, hopeless, and guilty
- Having no interest or joy in life
- Having trouble sleeping, waking up very early in the morning
- Having problems eating too much or too little food
- Thinking about suicide and death
- Having trouble concentrating, remembering, and making decisions
- Having physical problems that don't go away when you take medicine, such as headaches, stomach problems, and pains in your body
How is depression treated?
Most people with depression get better when they get treatment. The two most common treatments for depression are medication and psychotherapy (talking with a trained counselor). Support groups can help.
Health care providers may need to try different medicines to find the one(s) that help you the most. It also may take a few weeks or months on the medicine before you begin to feel a change in your mood and outlook.
Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office on Women’s Health
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