Introduction
Depression is more than a bad day or a rough patch. It's an unshakeable feeling of sadness and emptiness that lasts for weeks and months on end. In addition, depression also presents a number of physical symptoms that are not usually seen when a person is simply sad.
Depression is an illness that dramatically impairs your ability to function in society. Many people who are depressed contemplate or actually attempt suicide. Others may turn to negative coping strategies such as emotionally distancing themselves from others through anger, alcohol or drugs.
As a mood state, depression is very difficult to modify. A person experiencing it can't readily shift into a happier mode of feeling. As a result, well-meaning efforts to cheer up a depressed person by going to a party or on a trip are usually doomed to failure.
Symptoms
A person who's depressed loses motivation and interest in activities they previously enjoyed, such as hobbies, sports or movies.
Depressed people usually experience high levels of anxiety, even if they've never had problems with anxiety before. Almost invariably, they undergo a profound loss of self-esteem and self-confidence. They may think they deserve to feel miserable and are being punished for some terrible thing they have done. Sometimes they become suicidal and believe they can find a method of suicide that will not cause any distress to family and friends. They may even attempt suicide.
Studies have shown reduced blood flow or electrical activity in people with depressive disorder. Someone who usually has no problems with remembering things and making decisions can become significantly forgetful and indecisive during a depressive illness. In general, the worse the depression, the worse the cognitive problems. As the depression lifts, the person is once again able to think more clearly.
Depressed people generally have low energy levels. They feel tired for much of the time and are easily fatigued. Problems with sleep are commonly experienced by depressed people: insomnia, waking up early or repeatedly in the night, and sometimes sleeping too long.
The most common weight change seen in depressed people is weight loss caused by loss of appetite. Less commonly, a depressed person's appetite will increase. People with depression often complain of generalized body aches or may be more concerned about a localized pain, such as headaches, chest pain or back pain.
Depressed women may experience reduced and infrequent menstrual periods or their periods may stop altogether. This may be interpreted as a sign of an unwanted pregnancy, compounding their depression. Depressed men frequently experience loss of sexual interest and drive, erectile dysfunction and ejaculatory impotence.
If people have never experienced depression before, they may not recognize the illness. They may blame themselves for the problem and tell themselves they're not trying hard enough. This will only exacerbate their feelings of sadness, hopelessness and low self-worth.
Causes/Risk Factors
A long list of factors, including genetics, stress, negative life events, illness and drugs (both pharmaceutical and illicit), can upset the brain's chemistry and lead to depression. Hormonal imbalances in the thyroid or adrenal glands and low blood calcium or iron levels also increase a person's likelihood of becoming depressed.
Among the main risk factors for depression identified by researchers are chronic diseases (including arthritis, heart disease and diabetes), viral infections (liver or brain infections), stressors (such as losing a loved one or a job) and chronic stressors (such as living in poverty or having family difficulties).
Older people who need to move into assisted or long-term care often experience depression. Children and teens can experience depression as a result of peer pressure and/or social challenges. Drug and alcohol abuse, low testosterone levels, menopause and recent childbirth are also associated with depression.
What You Can Do
Look at your lifestyle and see what can be changed in your work situation, your family situation or your schedule. Take time for yourself to pursue your interests.
Nurture healthy, supportive relationships. Talk regularly to your family and friends.
Be realistic in setting goals and try to accomplish them one step at a time.
Exercise is a great mood booster. Engage in physical activity 30-60 minutes daily.
Nourish your body with healthy food choices based on Canada's Food Guide.
Don't drink alcohol or do illegal drugs. Similarly, avoid caffeine, smoking, and excess sugar and fat, which can all tax the body's natural ability to manage stress.
Keep a personal journal in which you can express your feelings.
There are many forms of therapy to treat depression. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), interpersonal psychotherapy, and psychodynamic therapies are just a few of the proven methodologies that can effectively address and reverse depressive illness within as little as eight weeks.
Being depressed greatly increases a person's likelihood of trying to take their own life. If you�re feeling hopeless or fear a loved one may be contemplating suicide, call HealthLink at 943-LINK or the Alberta Mental Health Board's help line toll-free at 1-877-303-2642.
What You Can Take
Clinical depression often requires treatment with some combination of therapy, anti-depressant medications or both. Sometimes, a process of trial and error is necessary to help you to find the right medication or combination of medications. If you've been prescribed medication, make sure you're taking it as directed and don't discontinue use without first talking to your doctor.
Further Resources
Contact the Canadian Mental Health Association at www.cmha.ca or 297-1700 or the Alberta Mental Health Board at www.amhb.ca.
