Understanding Depression
Depression:
Understanding Depression
Depression is a disturbance in mood characterized by varying degrees
of sadness,
disappointment, loneliness, hopelessness, self-doubt, and guilt. Most
people tend to feel
depressed at one time or another, but some people may experience these
feelings more
frequently or with deeper, more lasting, effects. In some cases, depression
can last for months or
even years.
The most common type of depression is what is referred to as "feeling
blue" or "being
in a bad mood." These feelings are usually brief in duration and have
minimal or slight effects
on normal everyday activities.
In the next level of depression, symptoms become more intense and last
for a longer period of
time. Daily activities may become more difficult...but the individual
is still able to cope with
them. It is at this level, however, that feelings of hopelessness can
become so intense that
suicide may seem the only solution.
A person experiencing severe depression may experience extreme fluctuations
in moods or even
a desire for complete withdrawal from daily routine and/or the outside
world.
Symptoms of Depression
Depression may affect one's life in any of the following ways:
Changes in Feelings and/or Perceptions
Crying spells or, at at
the other extreme, lack of emotional responsiveness.
Inability to find pleasure
in anything.
Feelings of hopelessness
and/or worthlessness.
Exaggerated sense of guilt
or self-blame.
Loss of sexual desire.
Loss of warm feelings toward
family or friends.
Changes in Behavior and Attitudes
Lack of interest in prior
activities and withdrawal from others.
Neglect of responsibilities
and appearance.
Irritability, complaints
about matters previously taken in stride.
Dissatisfaction about life
in general.
Impaired memory, inability
to concentrate, indecisiveness, and confusion.
Reduced ability to cope
on a daily basis.
Physical Complaints
Chronic fatigue and lack
of energy.
Complete loss of appetite,
or at the other extreme, compulsive eating.
Insomnia, early morning
wakefulness, or excessive sleeping.
Unexplained headaches, backaches,
and similar complaints.
Digestive problems including
stomach pain, nausea, indigestion, and/or change in
bowel habits.
Causes of Depression
Depression is often the result of an unhappy event such as the death
of a loved one. When the
source of depression is readily apparent and the person is fully aware
of it, the individual can
expect the reaction to moderate and then fade away within a reasonable
amount of time. In cases
where feelings of depression exist with no apparent source or the source
is unclear, the
depression may get worse because the person is unable to understand
it. This sense of loss of
control may add to the actual feelings of depression.
Any number of stressors may be involved in depression. These can include
personality,
environmental, or biomedical factors. Shortages or chemical imbalances
in the brain may play a
significant role in some cases of depression. Such imbalances may be
created by illness,
infections, certain drugs (including alcohol and even prescribed medications)
and improper diet
and nutrition. In general, depression may be viewed as a withdrawal
from physical or
psychological stress. Identifying and understanding the underlying
causes of such stress is a
necessary step in learning to cope with depression.
Helping Yourself
Being honest with yourself about changes in mood or the intensity of
negative feelings as they
occur will help you identify possible sources of depression or stress.
You should examine your
feelings and try to determine what is troubling you -- relationships
with family or friends,
financial responsibilities, and so forth. Discussing problems with
the people involved or with
an understanding friend can sometimes bring about a resolution before
a critical stage of stress
is reached. Even mild depression should be dealt with if it interferes
with your effectiveness.
You might also try to:
Change your normal routine by taking a break for
a favorite activity or something new --
even if you don't feel like it;
Exercise to work off tension, improve digestion,
help you relax, and perhaps improve your
ability to sleep;
Avoid known stressors;
Avoid making long-term commitments, decisions, or
changes that make you feel trapped or
confined -- it is better to put them off until you
feel you are better able to cope; and
See a physician, especially if physical complaints
persist.
Helping a Depressed Friend
Since severely depressed individuals can be very withdrawn, lethargic,
self-ruminating, and
possibly suicidal, a concerned friend can provide a valuable and possibly
life-saving service.
Talking candidly with the individual regarding your concern for his
or her well being will often
bring the problems out into the open.
As you talk with your friend, the American College Health Association advises the following:
Do not try to "cheer up" the individual.
Do not criticize or shame, as feelings of depression
cannot be helped.
Do not sympathize and claim that you feel the same
way as he or she does.
Try not to get angry with the depressed individual.
Your primary objective is to let the person know you are concerned and willing to help.
If feelings of depression appear to turn to thoughts of suicide, urge
the individual to seek
professional help. If the person resists such a suggestion and you
feel that suicide is likely --
seek professional help yourself, so you will know how to best handle
the situation.
When Professional Help is Necessary
Depression is treatable and needless suffering of those who experience
it can be alleviated. A
mental health professional should be consulted when an individual experiences
any of the
following circumstances:
When pain or problems outweigh pleasures much of
the time;
When symptoms are so severe and persistent that
day-to-day functioning is impaired;
and/or
When stress seems so overwhelming that suicide seems
to be a viable option.