HEALTH SENSE
What you need to know about depression – serious or not? By Dr. Lee Ann Gee
D
epression affects approximately 10% of the U.S. population. Feeling sad or upset is a normal response to situations of loss, stress, illness, or other emotional occurrences. Major depression, however, is different and will last for long periods of time, interfering with a person’s health and daily life. If you or someone you know has been suffering from symptoms of depression, there are a few things that are important to know.
Recognizing depression
The signs and symptoms of depression can be variable. People who have been suffering from the disorder may not even realize that they have it. Intense feelings of sadness, hopelessness, worthlessness, or emptiness are the most well-known characteristics of depression. You might also experience a loss of enjoyment for activities or things that used to make you happy as well as a lack of motivation for performing daily tasks, increased irritability or anger outbursts, or trouble becoming aroused in an intimate way. It may be difficult to concentrate, remember things, or make decisions. Thoughts of self-harm, death, or suicide are also signs of severe depression. Your mental and physical health are very closely tied. During a depressive episode, there are physical symptoms you may notice such as low energy, sleeping too much or too little, appetite changes, indigestion and other digestive 26
problems, and weight loss or gain. Odd pains such as headaches, stomachaches, or backaches are also possible. You may find yourself crying nonstop, exhibiting purposeless physical actions such as handwringing or pacing, or slowing your speech and movements.
Depression is a real illness
One of the most important things to understand about depression is that it is a real disease with physiological connections. While the most obvious symptoms may be emotional, a major depressive disorder is not a passing emotional state. You can’t expect someone with depression to “snap out of it,” “be happy,” or “get over it.” Depression is essentially caused by an imbalance in brain chemistry. Neurons (brain cells) use several complex methods for communicating between each other and along nerves. One mechanism involves sending specific chemicals, called neurotransmitters, as messengers. The main neurotransmitters in emotional regulation are serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine. Though these have many functions, they are involved in controlling feelings of happiness,
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reward, pleasure, appetite, and energy. Changes in the balance or composition of these neurotransmitters can lead to conditions such as depression. What often happens in depression is too little serotonin is produced, or it is reabsorbed too fast. Some scientists now think this may be related to chronic low levels of inflammation in the brain or central nervous system.
Depression is treatable
There are many different treatment options available for managing depression, and the majority of patients who receive proper treatment will be able to overcome this condition. However, every person and every case is unique. This means that patients need to work closely with health care providers to develop treatment strategies that work. The first course of action is to make an appointment with your doctor. He or she may perform a physical and/or psychiatric evaluation to determine factors contributing to your illness. The most common and well-known treatments for depression are antidepressant medication and psychotherapy. For mild depression, psychotherapy or “talk therapy” is often adequate. This involves speaking with a licensed therapist, either alone or with family members or in a group. For moderate or severe depression, psychotherapy is best alongside antidepressant medication. Antidepressant medications work to restore a normal balance to the neurotransmitters in your brain, enabling normal emotional control and response.
