Depression is the common cold of mental health problems. It strikes the rich, the poor as well as the young and old. Someone that is depressed may not enjoy life or may be in such despair as to want to end it all. There are two main types:

Situational depression has an apparent cause, even though the reaction to it may be excessive or prolonged. This would include bereavement, divorce, personal or economic problems, inability to cope with a life transition, an illness, side effect from medication, drug or alcohol abuse.
Major Depression can develop for no apparent reason and without a trigger - there's no point to anything, the future is bleak, yet you don't know why. This type of depression can include a state of mania (bipolar disorder) or is so severe all you think about is suicide.

Depression is a serious disorder that is different from normal periods of sadness. Depression lasts longer and does not go away on its own.

Even mild depression stifles spontaneity and creativity; it affects relationships with family, friends and on the job. If it persists long enough, it almost inevitably produces physical symptoms such as weight loss or gain, poor appetite, fatigue, irritability, stomach problems, impotence or lack of sex drive, insomnia and more.

Depression is now understood to be mediated by brain chemistry and is not different from any other chemically caused and remediable illness. Depression is highly treatable, primarily through psychotherapy and medications, which have revolutionized the management of depression. But in order to benefit from therapy, you must first realize you are depressed.

Defining Depression

The American Psychiatric Association defines depression as having at least five of the symptoms listed below that last for a prolonged length of time.

Depressed mood most of the day, nearly everyday.
Loss of pleasure in daily activities/excessive crying.
Significant weight loss or gain.
Change in mobility either by slowing down or exhibiting nervous gestures/fatigue.
Feelings of worthlessness, self reproach, excessive guilt.
Diminished ability to concentrate.
Sleep problems - insomnia or wanting to sleep all of the time.
Thoughts of death or suicide, or attempts at suicide.

Causes of Depression

There is a clear link between brain chemistry and depression. Medical illness such as Parkinson's Disease, thyroid changes, strokes, diabetes, and certain forms of cancer can also cause and increase the likelihood of depression.

Depression & Anxiety

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is much more than the normal anxiety people experience day to day. It's chronic and has an exaggerated sense of worry and tension, anticipating disaster, often worrying about family, money, work or something hard to pinpoint. People with anxiety are often unable to relax, trouble falling or staying asleep. Worrying often has physical symptoms:

Twitching
Muscle tension
headaches
Irritability
Sweating
Hot flashes
Light headedness

They tend to feel tired, trouble concentrating, and often suffer from depression. Sometimes it is difficult to carry out the most ordinary daily activities. GAD comes on gradually and most often hits people in childhood or adolescence, but can be happen in adulthood. Medication, therapy, and relaxation techniques can often treat such a disorder.

Women and Depression

Women experience depression more often than men, getting caught in a cycle of despair and passivity; having a lower sense of control over their lives.

Aging and Depression

Certain medications that are used in treating other disorders can have a depressing effect and can also produce unwanted side effects. Physical changes that occur and issues that present themselves in later life can be overwhelming and increase depression. Certain emotional states like stress also causes depression and anxiety. Don't accept that depression is a normal part of growing older.

Children and Depression

Adults aren't the only ones who suffer from depression. Today, more and more young people and children are plagued by depression and anxiety. It's the third leading cause of death among teens and young adults. Many times children can't concentrate in school and suffer from poor grades, have low self esteem, experience difficulty with peer relationships, and experience severe anxiety. Sorting out childhood behavior and mood can be more complicated than doing the same for adults (adults have the ability to point to and even sometimes control that which is causing their depression). Children may not know how they are supposed to feel, and may have been sad for as long as they remember. Children may have difficulty communicating their feelings and often bury them in physical symptoms such as stomachaches and headaches. Children do not have control over many things that may be triggering their depression, especially divorce, or death, or parental neglect. Too often depressed children go on to become depressed adults. It falls to the important adults in their lives to understand and offer the children the help they need to get healthier.

Questions to Ask

Are you satisfied with your life?
Are you happy when you get up in the morning?
Are there things you are looking forward to?
Are you feeling lonely and sad?
Does life feel too stressful to handle?

If the answer is "No" to these questions you may be experiencing depression. Without despair, anxiety, and hopelessness, we can live full lives.

Bloomingdale Psychological Services offers support groups as well as individual services for the treatment of depression and anxiety. In addition, our staff psychiatrist offers medication evaluation and treatment. For more information call 610-688-2737.

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Children of Divorce Support Group

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