Help For Depression

Sometimes people use the word ‘depressed’ for a variety of different feelings such as when feeling sad or let down about a particular event.  Nevertheless, the overuse of this word really does not encompass what depression really is.  Major depression is actually classified as a mood disorder and can have an enormous negative and often disabling impact on daily life.  It is clinically defined as a set of symptoms that are centered on a consistent low mood.  Other symptoms include an abnormally low self-esteem and a lack of interest in things that once gave pleasure.  When someone experiences severe depression all facets of that person’s life are generally affected which may include friends, family, work and school.  Additionally, eating and sleeping habits usually change in a negative way and total health tends to decline.

Depression is not something that you may have one day and not the next.  It is a long term mental disorder that requires medical attention.  In order to differentiate medical depression from the term that people use so commonly today, you may hear one or more of the following terms used instead: major depressive disorder (MDD), recurrent depressive disorder, unipolar depression, major depression, or clinical depression.  Everyone experiencing some type of depressed feelings is not lumped into one broad category of depression.  Instead, there are several different types that are commonly ranked by the severity, length or cause of the condition.

MDD or clinical depression is usually diagnosed for those experiencing typical signs and symptoms of depression everyday for at least two weeks while Dysthymic Disorder or Dysthymia is diagnosed for those experiencing similar symptoms that reoccur for at least two years.  A more serious type is Manic Depression; however, it is most commonly referred to as Bipolar Disorder today.  This condition includes a cycle between depression and mania which can be serious enough to require hospitalization to ensure the safety of the patient and to make sure that others are not harmed.  Sometimes psychosis is seen in this more severe type of depression and may involve delusions and hallucinations, which can be especially dangerous.  Other conditions are categorized by the cause such as post-partum depression which is experienced by new mothers after giving birth, and seasonal effective disorder (SAD) which involves periods of sever depression that only occur at a specific time of the year.

In addition to experiencing a consistent low mood, lack of self esteem, and a general lack of interest, a person going through any type of depression will also undergo a decline in overall quality of life.  Performance at school or work may suffer and one may neglect friendships and other social relationships.  Additionally, a low self esteem may spiral down into a strong self hatred or thoughts of being worthless and the person will likely withdraw from all the activities that they once found enjoyable.  Often times, with MDD one may experience a deficient memory or the inability to concentrate and may often linger to thoughts of suicide or death.

The main cause of episodes of depression is thought to be a deficiency in certain chemicals in the brain or neurochemicals: serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine. These brain chemicals are very important in everyday life, as they are responsible for emotions, stress regulation and everyday behavior.  These hormones control desires, motivation, energy, alertness, cognition and much more.  Without the proper levels of these chemicals, every day functioning is affected and some form of depression is often experienced.

Only a trained health professional can properly diagnose depression.  There are no blood tests that can give a positive confirmation on the condition; however, a doctor will most likely order one to make sure there is not an underlying medical problem causing the symptoms of depression.  A diagnosis is only reached after the patient, and sometimes friends and family, give a report on experiences and observations.  Additionally, a mental state inventory may also be conducted for a clearer understanding of the symptoms the patient is experiencing.

Once a diagnosis of true clinical depression has been reached, there are a number of treatments that can be pursued.  Most commonly patients are required to undergo some type of psychotherapy either through a psychologist, counselor, psychiatrist or other trained professional.  Additionally, medications called antidepressants may be prescribed in conjunction with therapy.  There are a large number of different medications available to treat mild to severe depression.  Not all antidepressants will work for each individual but different prescriptions can be tried to find the most effective.  Additionally, dosages can be adjusted accordingly in order to get the maximum results with the lowest dosage possible.  Medications most often help people with severe depression but they have been effective with more mild cases.

Signs and Symptoms of Depression

• difficulty concentrating
• persistent sad or negative thoughts
• feelings of hopelessness and/or helplessness
• fatigue and decreased energy
• feelings of guilt or worthlessness
• changes in sleep patterns such as insomnia or excessive sleeping.
• irritability and restlessness
• loss of interest in activities or hobbies
• overeating or appetite loss
• thoughts of suicide