Not everyone experiences all of the symptoms. Most people have only a few. Some people experience symptoms of depression for several weeks followed by feeling 'revved up' and overly elated for several weeks. This is called manic depression or bipolar disorder and requires a different treatment approach.

It's important to remember that depression is not simply feeling 'blue' for a little while. True depression persists for months or longer and affects your ability to live your life. It is normal to feel sad and depressed after a personal tragedy, like the death of a loved one. This is not true depression unless it continues without improvement long after the tragedy is over. However, some people who have been affected by a personal tragedy may benefit from treatments for depression.

You also need to know that depression is not a personal weakness or a sign that you are unable to 'pull yourself together'. It is a medical condition that truly injures the brain, and like any other illness requires medical attention. Depression runs in some families, suggesting that there is a genetic component to the disease.

• Persistent feelings of sadness, emptiness, hopelessness, helplessness, worthlessness, or pessimism.

• Anxiety

• Guilt

• Loss of interest in activities or hobbies that used to give you pleasure.

• Loss of energy, fatigue, or feeling 'slowed down'.

• Loss of interest in sex.

• Loss of interest in socializing with other people.

• Difficulty concentrating, thinking, remembering, or making decisions.

• Changes in sleep patterns, both inability to sleep and oversleeping.

• Changes in eating patterns, both over- and undereating.

• Thoughts of suicide or attempted suicide.

• Restlessness or irritability.

• Persistent but vague physical problems that do not respond to treatment, such as head or stomach pain.

If you have experienced any of these symptoms for more than 2 weeks . . . If you answer "yes" to 4 or more of the symptoms for depression or mania,you should consider a physical and psychological evaluation by a physician and/or mental health specialist.

Some symptoms of depression also occur in other medical conditions. For example, weight loss, sleep disturbance, and low energy also occur in diabetes and heart disease; apathy, poor concentration, and memory loss are also found in Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases; and achiness or fatigue may be present in many other conditions. To determine the proper diagnosis, a physician must conduct a thorough evaluation, keeping in mind that depressed older people are more likely to complain of such physical problems rather than expressing sad, anxious, or hopeless feelings.

In addition, fatigue, high or low mood, sedation, and difficulty with memory or concentration can be depressive symptoms but can also occur as side effects of medication. The current medications taken by an individual should also be evaluated in determining the diagnosis.

Depression often co-occurs with medical, psychiatric, and substance abuse disorders, though it is frequently unrecognized and untreated. This can lead to unnecessary suffering since depression is usually treatable, even when it co-occurs with other disorders.

Medical Illnesses:

Depression occurs at higher than average rates in heart attack and cancer patients, persons with diabetes, and post-stroke patients. Untreated depression can interfere with the patient's ability to follow the necessary treatment regimen or to participate in a rehabilitation program. It may also increase impairment from the medical disorder and impede its improvment.

Psychiatric Illnesses:

Depression also occurs more frequently in persons with other psychiatric disorders, especially anxiety disorders. In such cases, detection of depression can result in more effective treatment and a better outcome for the patient.

Substance Abuse Disorders:

Substance abuse disorders (including alcohol and prescription drugs) frequently co-exist with depression. Substance use must be discontinued in order to clarify the diagnosis and maximize the effectiveness of psychiatric interventions. Additional treatment is necessary if the depression remains after the substance use and withdrawal effects have ended.

Mood disorders—especially depression, are very common. Chances are that someone you know—or you, yourself, suffers from depression. And the majority of depressive disorders go untreated. Learning to recognize the symptoms of depression may help those you love get the help they need.

Betty Laughlin
Order by Phone: (512) 244-1477 Ext: 4871
606 Virginia Dr. - Roundrock TX. 78664
E-mail: becalmd@depression-stress-relief.com