LET'S TALK ABOUT DEPRESSION

A depressive disorder is an illness that involves the body, mood, and thoughts. It interferes with daily life, normal functioning, and causes pain for both the person with the disorder and those who care about him or her.

It is not the same as a passing blue mood. It is not a sign of personal weakness or a condition that can be willed or wished away. People with a depressive illness cannot merely "pull themselves together" and get better. Without treatment, symptoms can last for weeks, months, or years. Depression is a common but serious illness, and most people who experience it need treatment to get better. Appropriate treatment, however, can help most people who suffer from depression.

There are various types of depression. The most common types of depressive disorders are

Major depression is manifested by a combination of symptoms that interfere with the ability to work, study, sleep, eat, and enjoy once pleasurable activities. Such a disabling episode of depression may occur only once but more commonly occurs several times in a lifetime.

Dysthymic disorder, also called dysthymia, involves long-term (two years or longer) less severe symptoms that do not disable, but keep one from functioning normally or from feeling good. Many people with dysthymia also experience major depressive episodes at some time in their lives.

Psychotic depression, which occurs when a severe depressive illness is accompanied by some form of psychosis, such as a break with reality, hallucinations, and delusions.

Postpartum depression, which is diagnosed if a new mother develops a major depressive episode within one to six months after delivery.

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD), which is characterized by the onset of a depressive illness during the winter months, when there is less natural sunlight. The depression generally lifts during spring and summer.

Bipolar disorder, also called manic-depressive illness which is not as common as the other depressive illnesses, and characterized by cycling mood changes: severe highs (mania) and lows (depression).

Symptoms

Not everyone who is depressed experiences every symptom. Some people experience a few symptoms, some many. Severity of symptoms varies with individuals and also varies over time.

The symptoms of depression include

·        Persistent sad, anxious, or empty mood

·        Feelings of hopelessness or pessimism

·        Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness

·        Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities that were once enjoyed, including sex

·        Decreased energy, fatigue, being "slowed down"

·        Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions

·        Insomnia, early morning awakening or oversleeping

·        Appetite and/or weight loss, or overeating and weight gain

·        Thoughts of death or suicide, suicide attempts

·        Restlessness, irritability

·        Persistent physical symptoms that do not respond to treatment, such as headaches, digestive disorders and chronic pain

CAUSES

There is no single known cause of depression. Rather, it likely results from a combination of genetic, biochemical, environmental, and psychological factors.

Research indicates that depressive illnesses are disorders of the brain. Brain-imaging techniques, like magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), show that the brains of people who have depression look different than those of people without depression. The parts of the brain responsible for regulating mood, thinking, sleep, appetite, and behaviour appear to function abnormally. In addition—chemicals (neurotransmitters) that brain cells use to communicate—appear to be out of balance.

Some types of depression tend to run in families, suggesting a genetic link. However, depression can occur in people without family histories of it as well. Research shows that risk for depression results from the influence of multiple genes acting together with environmental or other factors.

In addition, trauma, loss of a loved one, a difficult relationship, or any stressful situation may trigger a depressive episode. Subsequent depressive episodes may occur with or without an obvious trigger.

Depression, even the most severe cases, is a highly treatable disorder. As with many illnesses, the earlier that treatment can begin, the more effective it is and the greater the likelihood that recurrence can be prevented.

Once diagnosed, a person with depression can be treated with a number of methods. The most common treatments are medication and psychotherapy.

How to Help Yourself If You Are Depressed

Depressive disorders can make a person feel exhausted, worthless, helpless and hopeless. Such negative thoughts and feelings make some people feel like giving up. It is important to realize that these negative views are part of the depression and typically do not reflect actual circumstances. Negative thinking fades as treatment begins to take effect. In the meantime:

·        Set realistic goals in light of the depression and assume a reasonable amount of responsibility.

·        Break large tasks into small ones, set some priorities and do what you can, as you can.

·        Try to be with other people and to confide in someone; it is usually better than being alone and secretive.

·        Participate in activities that may make you feel better.

·        Mild exercise, going to a movie or a ball game, or participating in religious, social or other activities may also help.

·        Expect your mood to improve gradually, not immediately; feeling better takes time.

·        It is advisable to postpone important decisions until the depression has lifted. Before deciding to make a significant transition—change jobs, get married or divorce—discuss it with others who know you well and have a more objective view of your situation.

·        People rarely "snap out of" a depression. But they can feel a little better day by day.

·        Remember, positive thinking will replace the negative thinking that is part of the depression, and this negative thinking will disappear as your depression responds to treatment.

·        Let your family and friends help you.

How Family and Friends Can Help the Depressed Person

If you know someone who is depressed, it affects you too. The most important thing anyone can do for the depressed person is to help him or her get an appropriate diagnosis and treatment. You may need to make an appointment on behalf of your friend or relative and go with her to see the doctor. Encourage him to stay in treatment, or to seek different treatment if no improvement occurs after six to eight weeks.

The second most important thing is to offer emotional support. This involves understanding, patience, affection and encouragement. Engage the depressed person in conversation and listen carefully. Do not dispel feelings expressed, but point out realities and offer hope. Do not ignore remarks about suicide. Report them to the depressed person's therapist. Invite the depressed person for walks, outings, to the movies and other activities. Keep trying if he declines, but don't push her to take on too much too soon. Although diversions and company are needed, too many demands may increase feelings of failure. Remind your friend or relative that with time and treatment, the depression will lift.