(Carrick Pharmacy News) Depression affects millions of Americans. Here’s what you need to know.
Depression is more than just a feeling of “being sad” for a few days. And depression can happen to anyone.
What Is Depression?
When a sad mood lasts for a long time and interferes with normal, day-to-day living, you may be depressed.
What Are the Symptoms of Depression?
The depression symptoms you experience may be different from what others experience. Common symptoms include the following:
- Feeling sad, anxious (nervous), or “empty” often or all of the time
- Feelings of guilt, helplessness, hopelessness or worthlessness
- Irritability or restlessness (feeling fidgety)
- Loss of interest in activities or hobbies you used to enjoy
- Lack of energy and fatigue
- Trouble concentrating, remembering things and making decisions
- Sleep problems, such as having a hard time going to sleep or staying asleep (insomnia) or sleeping all the time
- Appetite changes, including overeating or eating very little, as well as weight gain or weight loss
- Thoughts of suicide or attempting suicide
- Physical aches and pains, headaches, cramps or digestive problems
To be diagnosed with depression, any of these symptoms must be present most of the day nearly every day for at least two weeks.
Millions Have Depression
Depression is a serious and treatable medical condition that impacts the lives of millions of Americans. In fact, depression is estimated to affect about 19 million American adults every year.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), around 1 out of every 6 American adults will experience depression at some point.
What Causes Depression?
The exact cause of depression is not known, but a number of factors can lead to depression, including one or more of the following:
- Brain chemicals: Serotonin and norepinephrine being out of balance can cause depression.
- Genetics: Some types of depression tend to run in families. However, depression can occur in people without family histories of depression.
Other risk factors that may be involved include the following:
- Other health conditions: Depression can occur alongside other serious illnesses, such as diabetes, cancer, heart disease and Parkinson’s disease.
- Trauma: Traumatic events and losses may trigger depression.
How Is Depression Treated?
The good news is that depression is treatable. New therapies for depression are continually being discovered. Treating mild and moderate depression usually involves one or more of the following methods:
- Medication: Today’s classes of antidepressants typically work to balance brain chemistry. It is important to note that medications used to treat depression can take two to four weeks to work.
- Psychotherapy (also called therapy or counseling): During therapy, you will work with your therapist to change behaviors that are causing problems, learn skills to help you cope with life and find solutions.
- Exercise: Exercise boosts brain chemicals that can elevate mood.
Try to break up large tasks into small ones and do what you can as you can. It also helps to talk to a trusted friend or family member.
When and How to Get Help
If your blues are interfering with your everyday life and last for weeks or months, speak with your health care provider. Together, you can determine the best treatment options for you.
If you or someone you love is in crisis, seek help quickly. You can call the toll-free, 24-hour hotline of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) or TYY: 1-800-799-4TTY (4889)
