Depression is said to be the 4th most disabling condition in the entire world. Adversely affecting over 20 percent of the world’s population and responsible for up to 80 percent of all suicide deaths, it is a topic deserving of our attention.
Think about it! An estimated 35 to 40 million Americans living today will suffer from major depression at some time during their lives. Of that number, half will experience recurring symptoms.
This article provides critical information for understanding depression: the definition, symptoms, management, and other essential aspects.
What is depression?
Like happiness, times of sadness are inevitable. When we lose a loved one, experience disappointment, or become discouraged, one is expected to feel sad. Midlife also offers a season of “blue” feelings as children leave home to begin lives of their own, and age begins to affect our bodies. But when sadness lingers for long periods and colors the world drab, when fatigue zaps energy and emotional enthusiasm wanes, and when feelings of melancholy rob the quality of life — that is depression.
Depression hurts not only the sufferer but family and close friends as well. In fact, depression can drastically affect a person’s life and health in very negative ways.
“Clinical Depression” is defined as depression that lasts for weeks, months, or even years at a time. Symptoms vary from person to person and can be mild, moderate, or severe. But the most significant difference between an “ordinary” episode of sadness and Clinical Depression is that in Clinical Depression, symptoms are present most of the day, nearly every day, for a period of at least two weeks.
Depression can negatively affect suffers in a variety of ways. Sleep, appetite, intimacy, and energy can all be affected. Relationships with family and friends can suffer. The ability to think, concentrate, and function is crippled. Hope and enjoyment of everyday life can escape the sufferer as interest in daily activities diminishes, and the will to survive seems unimportant.
Not everyone will experience the same group of symptoms or any individual symptom to the same extent. However, the more symptoms the person experiences, the greater the odds are that they have Clinical Depression.
Symptoms of Clinical Depression
Let’s take a closer look at the symptoms of Clinical Depression.
1.) Ongoing feelings of sadness that last for weeks
The person may be unable to talk about their sadness or explain “why” they feel that way. But family and friends can quickly tell something is wrong. The person looks and behaves downcast; something is bothering them and making them sad.
People who become sad or upset when they experience something significant, such as losing a job, relationship or financial difficulties, or another problem, behave normally. Their outlook on life and attitude improves over time, or when the situation that first upset them improves. This is not Clinical Depression.
For sufferers of Clinical Depression, the sadness seems to have come from nowhere, and without warning. Things may be going well in their everyday life, but they become increasingly “swallowed up” by melancholy and sadness. They may be confused about their sadness, but feel helpless to change their feelings.
2.) Feelings of emptiness take root
The person may say they feel “nothing” instead of feeling sad or “blue.” There is a profound emptiness or numbness inside. They may feel as though they are going through life in slow motion. They may respond the same to good or bad news. They feel hollow inside, going through the motions of living without enthusiasm.
3.) A loss of interest in things once enjoyable
People who suffer from Clinical Depression lose interest in hobbies and activities they once enjoyed. In fact, they seem to have lost their ability to experience any enjoyment. Intimacy suffers; some persons lose all desire for sex.
4.) The ability to concentrate, remember, or make decisions becomes increasingly difficult
One of the first signs that the person has difficulty thinking or retaining thoughts is a problem with listening and reading. Work becomes difficult, or even impossible. Remembering important things becomes increasingly challenging. Relationships suffer as the person begins to isolate themself from others.
5.) Difficulty sleeping
Trouble falling asleep and staying asleep is a common problem for persons suffering from Clinical Depression. Many say they lie awake in bed for hours, eyes wide open, unable to sleep. Once they fall asleep, they toss, turn, and wake up after only a few hours. The resulting fatigue caused by sleeplessness further compounds the problem.
Other persons suffering from Clinical Depression experience the opposite problem. They sleep continually. Even after adequate sleep, they find it difficult to get out of bed in the morning or to stay awake during the day. Yet, they never feel rested and want more and more sleep.
6.) Loss of motivation
Clinical Depression is exhausting. It robs energy and motivation. Fatigue is intense and can be disabling. Many times, the person’s appearance suffers. In fact, though typically particular about how they dress, they may dress in wrinkled clothes that are dirty and mismatched. When asked why, they may say they are too tired to care how they look.
7.) Appetite and eating habits change
Many times, a person with Clinical Depression will lose significant amounts of weight because they no longer care about food. They have no appetite, and the taste of food is no longer satisfying. Their clothes may hang limply on them. Although loss of appetite is the more common of the two, other persons start binge eating and gain a lot of weight. They can’t seem to get control over their eating habits and snack constantly.
8.) Lack of self-esteem
As the depression continues, many sufferers begin to feel worthless. They may feel their life has no real value. Some people experience deep guilt for things beyond their control. Even the fact that they are depressed can cause some people to feel guilty, which in turn makes them feel even more depressed. When family and friends attempt to console them, the negative feelings persist.
9.) Physical symptoms manifest
Surprisingly, some of the most prominent symptoms of Clinical Depression are complaints of physical discomforts such as aches, pains, and digestive disorders. The sufferer may begin to attribute their depression to a medical problem, but an examination will often give no reason for the pain and discomfort.
Depression can weaken the immune system’s ability to fight off disease and can heighten the risk of heart and other diseases. One Finnish study revealed that when all other risk factors were equal, depressed men had two to four times greater risk of plaque buildup in their arteries than men who were not depressed.
10.) Thoughts of imminent mortality or suicide
As the depression continues, thoughts of mortality and suicide take root. The person feels that their life will never get better and it might be better if they didn’t exist. Sometimes, these feelings become so strong that the person makes plans to end their life.
11.) Abnormal thoughts
Individuals with severe Clinical Depression may experience episodes that both confuse and scare them. They may hear imaginary voices. They may obsess with hypochondria, paranoia, or other such manifestations.
12.) A change in physical activity
Daily tasks are an effort and take longer to complete. Feelings of restlessness or listlessness may persist. Some sufferers experience zombie-like “trances,” while others feel anxious or nervous and are unable to relax and sit still.
What causes depression?
Depression can be triggered by a traumatic experience, hormonal changes, a serious illness, side effects of certain medications, prolonged isolation, or it can appear to come “out of the blue.”
Many researchers also believe depression can be caused by an imbalance of two chemicals in the brain: serotonin and norepinephrine. These chemicals are thought to be associated with mood and regulating and reducing feelings of pain in the body.
While chemical imbalances can cause depression, the rapid rise in individuals with depression suggests the root cause in the majority of cases might be attributed to something other than chemical. As lifestyles and communities become more “self-involved” and the emotional and physical needs of others are neglected, depression can be the result. That is because the need for acceptance and a sense of belonging are as basic a human need as food and water.
Ways to manage depression
Depression can be cured with proper help and support. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, symptoms can be relieved in 80 percent of persons with severe depression, usually in only a matter of weeks.
1.) Get professional help
There are ways to climb out of the pit of depression. One is through the support and expertise of knowledgeable professionals. A medical doctor or other healthcare professional, such as a psychiatrist, can make an appropriate diagnosis of depression.
2.) Antidepressants can help manage the symptoms
Sometimes, an antidepressant will be prescribed to help manage the symptoms. Some of these medications help restore the naturally occurring chemicals serotonin and norepinephrine, which can help relieve both the emotional and painful physical symptoms of the illness.
If an antidepressant drug is prescribed, ask the doctor about the FDA evaluations and alert on antidepressants.
3.) “Talk therapy” can be beneficial
“Talk therapy” might entail spending an hour or so each week talking with a mental health care professional. Discussing the situation with someone knowledgeable can help you better manage depression and alleviate the symptoms.
Each person’s situation is different; talk therapy could be beneficial for several months or even years. During therapy, it is essential to be honest and straightforward about what you are experiencing, and how you feel.
4. Don’t ignore suicidal thoughts
Thoughts of mortality and suicide are common in depression and should not be taken lightly. Taking such thoughts seriously and discussing them with a healthcare professional is essential. If you experience thoughts of suicide, call your doctor or therapist or dial 911.
The National Suicide Hotline is another resource. Call toll-free, 7 days a week, 24 hours a day: 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433) or 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255). International suicide hotline numbers can be obtained on the Internet at http://www.suicidehotlines.com/international.html.
5. Strengthen your relationships
Experts at the Mayo Clinic say mental health can be improved by strengthening relationships. A healthy support system provided by family members and friends can go a long way in helping to alleviate stress and increase self-esteem.
Explain your feelings and what you are going through with family members and close friends. Share facts about depression; that it is an actual disease with many causes and can be cured with proper treatment. Open the lines of communication by encouraging questions. Understand that they have feelings and challenges of their own in life. Let them know that you care about them, too.
6. Watch your diet
Another way to help ease the symptoms of depression is through diet. According to author and nutritional researcher at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Judith Wurtman, Ph.D., complex carbohydrates can help alleviate depression. When eaten by themselves, complex carbohydrates boost the mood-stabilizing brain chemical serotonin levels. She suggests eating one low-protein meal daily that is high in complex carbohydrates, such as rice, potatoes, or pasta.
A study at Texas A&M University also found that removing refined sugar and caffeine from the diet can significantly reduce depression, even when symptoms are severe.
Other dietary factors that help reduce symptoms include B-complex vitamins, drinking enough water, and an overall healthy diet, including adequate amounts of fruits and vegetables. Exercise is also beneficial.
7. Take one step at a time
Depression is not a character flaw or a sign of weakness, but a medical disorder caused by a complex combination of factors. Fortunately, it is also a curable illness. The key thing to remember is that to be most effective, treatment should address both the emotional and painful physical symptoms.
Keep in mind that recovery is not a single event. It is a gradual process that takes time, patience, and compassionate understanding. With the right attitude and a sound support system, sufferers of depression can recover and look forward to a bright future — full of life, hope, and joy!
