Depression
There are times when all of us feel sad, blue or 'down' and can't seem to get any enjoyment out of life. For most people, these feelings are short-lived and we are able to again enjoy our daily activities. For others however, the emotional pain becomes so severe and prolonged that it becomes an interference in our lives. This condition is called depression or a depressive disorder.
Depressive illnesses affect about 19 million people each year - affecting the way they feel, the way they think and how they react to their environment. Depression is categorized into several types; major depression, dysthymic disorder and bipolar disorder.
Most people with depression do not seek treatment despite the fact a great majority can be helped. If you or someone you care about suffers from depression, the information which follows may help in taking the steps necessary to seek assistance.
Types of Depression
Major Depression: a combination of symptoms that interfere with
work, study, sleep, eating and once pleasurable activities.
Dysthymia: a less severe type of depression involving long-term, chronic symptoms that do not disable but keep one from feeling good or functioning optimally.
Bipolar Disorder: also called manic-depressive illness and characterized by cycling mood changes: severe highs and lows. Mood changes are most often gradual but can be rapid and dramatic.
Symptons of Depression
Not all people who are depressed experience every symptom of depression.
Some individuals experience a few symptoms while others may experience
many. The severity of symptoms experienced will vary over time
and with individuals.
- Low self-esteem
- Low energy, fatigue
- Feelings of helplessness
- Sleeping too much or too little
- Inability to concentrate
- Difficulty making decisions
- Loss of interest in pleasurable activities
- Decreased motivation
- Loss of appetite or over eating
Causes of Depression
It is believed that some types of depression run in families, indicating
a biological
vulnerability. This seems especially true for bipolar disorder. In some families, major depression also seems to occur generation after generation. It can similarly occur in people who do not have a family history of depression. Major depression is often associated with changes in brain structure or brain function.
It is also known that depression is often found in people who have low self-esteem or low self-worth and tend to view the world, themselves and others with pessimism. Whether this is a psychological predisposition or an early form of the illness is not clear.
Recently, researchers have demonstrated that medical illnesses such as stroke, heart disease, cancer, etc. can cause depressive disorders. Also, a significant loss, relationship problems, financial difficulties or a stressful change in life can precipitate feelings of depression.
Women tend to experience depression about twice as often as men do. Hormonal factors may contribute to the increased rate for women - particularly such factors as menstrual cycle changes, pregnancy, miscarriage, postpartum period and menopause. Women may also face additional stresses such as single parenthood, caring for children and caring for aging parents.
Although it appears that men are less likely to suffer from depression, they are also less likely to admit to depression (and subsequently less likely to seek help). Men's depression is often masked by alcohol or drugs or by working excessively long hours. Depression often manifests itself in men as anger, irritability or discouragement.
Treatment
Most people who receive treatment for a depressive disorder show marked
improvement within a short period of time. A physician or a therapist
or both, generally administer treatment. There are a variety of antidepressant
medications and psychotherapies that can be used to effectively
treat depressive
disorders. Some people improve with psychotherapy alone while others
respond more positively to medications. In general, most people do best
with the
combination of counseling and medication. The specific diagnosis
and severity of symptoms determine the form of treatment.
FSAP Services
This information is not intended to provide a diagnosis for a depressive
disorder. The symptoms or warning signs may begin to help identify
possible depression and begin to determine whether further help or treatment
is
necessary. The University of Colorado-Boulder Faculty and Staff
Assistance Program offers diagnostic, treatment and referral services for
staff and
faculty who may be experiencing a type of depression. All FSAP inquiries
are confidential. Please call 303-492-3020 for further assistance.