Recognizing and Treating Depression

 

Feeling sad is a part of life.  It is a part of the spectrum of emotions that are normal in the human experience.  People may feel sad about the death of a loved one, the end of a meaningful relationship, the loss of a job, or a major life change such as a child going to college or moving to another town.  Although experiencing emotional pain may be uncomfortable, it can provide some benefits by motivating us to reflect on our behavior and make changes in our lives.  Being able to consciously experience our sadness and pain can help us grow stronger and better equip us to handle future loss.

 

What is the difference then between a normal bout of sadness and depression?  Depression will interfere more with daily activities and normal behavior patterns.  If someone is depressed they will experience at least 5 of these symptoms nearly every day for at least 2 weeks:

• Depressed mood most of the day.
• Decreased interest or pleasure in activities that used to be pleasurable.
• Significant weight loss (without dieting) or weight gain or a decrease or increase in appetite.
• Difficulty sleeping or sleeping more than usual.
• Becoming very fidgety or moving more slowly than usual.
• Fatigue or loss of energy.
• Feelings of worthlessness or inappropriate guilt.
• Reduced ability to concentrate or make decisions.
• Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide.

 

To be diagnosed with depression, other causes must also be ruled out.  For example, if a loved one has died recently, it is normal to experience the symptoms of depression for several months. It would only be considered abnormal if the symptoms were severe and interfered significantly with daily living.  Also it is important to rule out any physical illness or medication side effects that may be causing or contributing to the depression.

 

If you or someone you love meets the criteria for depression, there are ways to successfully treat it.  The first step is to make an appointment with your family physician to discuss your symptoms and rule out any physical causes.  At that point your physician may recommend several options: starting on an antidepressant medication, seeing a counselor for psychotherapy or a combination of both.  Research has found that people who take an antidepressant and participate in psychotherapy have the lowest rate of relapse of their depression.  Your physician may also recommend beginning a regular aerobic exercise program.  A study done at Duke University in 1999 found that walking or jogging for 30 minutes 3 days/week was as effective as an antidepressant medication in treating depression in older adults. 

 

If you are experiencing depression you do not need to feel isolated or stigmatized.  Depression has always been a part of human existence.  In fact, Hippocrates first used the terms mania and melancholia to describe mental disturbances in 400 BC.  Depression is a relatively common problem.  In a recent study, 30% of Americans reported a period of extreme sadness lasting two weeks or longer at some point in their lives.  If you are experiencing the symptoms of depression, do not delay seeking treatment.  Today there are many successful ways to treat depression and return you to a happier and more productive life. 

 

Heather Brewer is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in private practice with Human Service Associates.  She can be reached at 570-8887 or hcbrewer@earthlink.net.