Depression is a condition that no one is immune to. It can
affect anyone of any age, from any socioeconomic status, gender, race,
ethnicity, or culture. Depression can be mild to major and can negatively
impact all parts of a person’s life. Relationships can feel more difficult and
not feel as joyful, job tasks can feel extremely challenging and more difficult
to complete than usual, and a person experiencing depression may isolate
themselves from others when they wouldn’t typically do so. In this newsletter
you will find signs of depression, causes, risk factors, and treatment options.
A person does not have to have all of the symptoms listed to be experiencing
depression.
Signs of depression: (References 1 and 2)
Ongoing sadness, tearfulness, anxiousness, and/or
feeling of emptiness. Some people find themselves thinking, I am really “emotional”
lately; Ongoing negative thoughts and thought process; Feeling hopelessness, helplessness and guilt; Loss of interest in activities that used to be
enjoyable; Feeling more tired than usual, which seems
persistent; Difficulty concentrating, remembering, and making
decisions; Persistent sleep problems. In severe cases,
difficulty getting any sleep or trouble getting out of bed; Moving more slowly than usual; Fixation on past mistakes; Feeling responsible or accountable for things
that are not within a person’s control; Changes in appetite and weight. Some people
overeat and some don’t eat enough when feeling depressed; Thoughts of death or suicide; Suicide attempts; Easily irritated, agitated, and having anger
outbursts; Difficulty sitting still and focusing; Unexplained pain in the body. Sometimes described
as aching and/or widespread pain.
Causes of Depression: (Reference 1)
1.
Biological: This is not completely understood,
but it is know people who are depressed experience physical changes in their
brain.
2.
Brain Chemistry: Think of this as electric
circuits in the brain not transmitting the needed amount of energy, resulting
in feeling depressed.
3.
Hormones: Changes in hormones affects how a
person feels. A common hormone for women is estrogen and for men is
testosterone. Thyroid problems can also cause depression.
4.
Genetics: This is undergoing more research,
though it is known depression can affect more than one person related by blood.
Risk Factors: (Reference 1)
Negative thought pattern, low self-esteem,
self-critical and overdependence on others; Experiencing traumatic events; Blood relative history of any form of depression
and/or substance abuse; Feeling isolated or frequently criticized; Serious and/or chronic health issues; Particular medicines can cause or contribute to
depression.
No matter what the cause, it is important for a person to be
evaluated for medical reasons causing their depression. Often times, men have
much more difficulty asking for help than women. Depression is not anything to
be ashamed of. It is just like any other illness. If a person has diabetes, we
would expect them to see a doctor. The same needs to be expected of someone
with depression.
Treatment Options: (Reference 1)
1.
Psychotherapy. This is typically on an
outpatient basis; however, for more severe cases and stabilization this may be
done in an inpatient hospital setting. A person receiving this service in a hospital
will most likely be referred for outpatient psychotherapy after discharge. Psychotherapy
may be performed by Licensed Clinical Psychologists, Licensed Clinical Social
Workers, or Licensed Professional Counselors. Psychotherapy is known for
helping individuals explore the impact of their thoughts on how they feel and
behave. The human brain is able to change in structure through the
psychotherapy process.
2.
Medications may also be prescribed by your
doctor for treatment of depression. Some primary care physicians are comfortable
treating less complicated/ severe depression. If you are experiencing a moderate
to severe case of depression, you may benefit more from services from a
Psychiatrist. A Psychiatrist is especially trained in working with mental and
emotional challenges and medication treatment.
3.
Other treatment options may include nutritional and
supplement support. Treatments focusing on the “mind-body” connection, such as “acupuncture,
yoga or tai chi, meditation, guided imagery, massage therapy, music or art
therapy, spirituality”/ spiritual support, and “aerobic exercise” are also
known for helping support recovery from depression.
Your healthcare professional may recommend all or part of
the above treatment/ recovery support options depending on your specific needs,
preferences, and available resources. “Mind-body” treatments are not typically
used as the primary treatment for depression, but may be used in conjunction
with psychotherapy and/or medication.
References:
