IS FEELING “DOWN” DEPRESSION?
WHO GETS DEPRESSED, AND HOW COMMON IS IT?
POSSIBLE CAUSES OF DEPRESSION (not an exhaustive list)
- Prolonged stress and major life changes
- Physical illness (thyroid problems, cancer, etc.)
- Side effects of some medications
- Harboring sin and/or reckless living
- Built up anger, bitterness and unforgiveness
- Perfectionism, unrealistic expectations and negative thinking
- Sleep disorders (sleep apnea, etc.)
- Changes in the seasons (wintertime blues)
- Unresolved grief and loss
- Family history of depression
- Interpersonal and/or marital problems
- Emotional, sexual or physical abuse
- Recent childbirth (i.e., Postpartum)
- Alcohol and/or drug use
- Irregular hormones and menopause
TYPES OF DEPRESSION
Major Depression (Unipolar Depression)
Major Depression is diagnosed when a person has several of the following symptoms for more than two weeks:
- Depressed or sad mood
- Diminished desire for usual activities
- Significant weight loss OR weight gain
- Oversleeping OR insomnia
- Agitation OR feeling slowed down
- Fatigue or loss of energy
- Feelings of worthlessness; excessive or inappropriate guilt
- Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
- Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide
Bipolar I Disorder (Manic-Depression)
Bipolar depression includes both periods of Major Depression (see list above) along with periods of intense “highs” called Mania. The symptoms of mania are:
- Inflated self-esteem or grandiosity
- Decreased need for sleep (may not sleep for several days or may sleep very little)
- Feeling pressured to keep talking
- Racing thoughts
- Highly distractible
- Engaging in high-risk behavior; poor decision making (buying sprees, etc.)
Bipolar II Disorder is a disorder in which the person has episodes of depression alternating with milder mania.
Dysthymia (long term depression)
- Depressed mood for at least 2 years
- Poor appetite OR overeating
- Insomnia OR oversleeping
- Low energy or fatigue
- Low self-esteem
- Poor concentration or difficulty making decisions
- Feelings of hopelessness
Postpartum Depression
Some facts about Postpartum Depression: 50-80% of mothers experience the “postpartum blues” (baby blues) after childbirth. Symptoms include mood swings, feeling anxious, tearful or irritable. These symptoms are passing and usually stop within 1-2 weeks. If symptoms last longer than 2 weeks, it is important to seek medical attention. 20% of women with postpartum blues develop postpartum depression. Women who have previously been depressed (either unipolar or bipolar) have a higher rate of postpartum depression. 10-15% of women develop postpartum depression.
Symptoms include depressed mood, fatigue, thoughts of death or suicide, feelings of worthlessness, difficulty concentrating, incessant worrying about the baby OR an indifferent attitude toward the baby. Seek medical attention especially if you are having suicidal thoughts and/or the depression interferes with your ability to care for the new baby. Many women put off seeking help because they are embarrassed or because others minimize their symptoms.
Seasonal Affective Disorder (S.A.D. – also known as Wintertime Depression)
Almost half of the US population reports that their mood is lower during the winter months. A smaller percentage of these people will develop S.A.D. This mood change occurs during months from fall to spring and is caused by changes in the amount of sunlight. Symptoms of S.A.D. may include:
- Depressed mood
- Oversleeping, low energy, general fatigue
- Overeating and weight gain
- Irritability and interpersonal difficulties
- Aches and pains, lowered immune system
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)
There is an absence of anxiety or depressive symptoms during the first ½ of the cycle (follicular phase). Symptoms appear during the second half of the cycle (luteal phase). Symptoms disappear when menses begins. Symptoms of PMDD may include:
- Depressed mood and feelings of hopelessness
- Feeling overwhelmed or out of control
- Anxiety, tension, feeling “on edge”
- Mood swings
- Irritability or interpersonal conflicts
- Decreased interest in usual activities
- Difficulty concentrating
- Lack of energy
- Overeating and food cravings
- Oversleeping or insomnia
Symptoms are more severe than is seen in PMS.
Some Important Notes
Depression often occurs in combination with other disorders. A recent study found 72% of patients with Major Depression also met criteria for at least one other disorder. When seeking treatment, it is important that a thorough assessment be completed so that important issues are not overlooked. Not getting an accurate diagnosis can lead to longer and less effective treatment, increased expense and prolonged suffering. Depression can manifest itself in a variety of ways. It is important to realize that depressive symptoms in one person may look entirely different in another person. Seek help early and proactively for depressive symptoms. Denying and/or minimizing symptoms is not helpful or wise.
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Further Information
Helping a Depressed Person This site discusses how to reach out and help a family member or friend who is depressed. [Helpguide.org]
