Depression

Everyone goes through times of feeling sad or unhappy. But, when these unhappy feelings linger for weeks and months, one should be evaluated for depression. Depression is the most common psychiatric problem in the U. S. and affects women twice as often as men. In addition, depression in woman is often accompanied by other troubling symptoms including sleep disorder, panic attacks, anxiety, and eating disorders.

Symptoms can vary greatly from person to person. Common signs are feelings of hopelessness, helplessness, sadness, worry, negative thinking, low self-esteem, loss of pleasure in usual activities, irritability, problems with concentration, memory, and decision making. Other signs are low energy level, changes in eating and sleeping and waning interest in sex. Often there is a myriad of physical complaints. If five or more of these signs are present for two weeks or more, there is a likelihood the person is suffering from depression.

What causes depression?

Risk factors include genetics, changes in hormone levels, negative life events, diseases, and medications.

Some researchers believe that depression is caused from chemical imbalances in the brain. Women tend to be relational, and this emphasis on relationships may possibly leave women more vulnerable to depression. Regardless of the reasons, depression can be treated through therapy, which may be helped with the addition of antidepressant medications.

Health problems and depression tend to co-exist. Some common problems are headaches, stomach aches, back and neck aches, and nausea. When doctors cannot find a physical reason for these problems, depression should be considered.

Depression appears to have a genetic component. If one identical twin has depression, it is more likely that the other one will have it than if they were fraternal twins.

Hormones also appear to play a factor in the cause of depression. Changes in estrogen and progesterone appear to have a strong effect on a woman’s moods. The difference at the rate at which men and women develop depression begins to appear at puberty. Other times when women are most affected by depression are specific times in the menstrual cycle (PMS) and childbirth.

It is almost considered normal for women to experience depression after giving birth, a time of fluctuating hormones. For some women, these feelings may be severe and therapy may be indicated. Women are more likely to experience depression after childbirth if they have been depressed before.

Depression can be brought on by thyroid disease, which is why a good medical workup is advisable before a diagnosis of depression is made. Nutritional factors can also precipitate depression.

Depression can be a side effect of a prescription drug or a drug interaction. If this is a possibility, you should contact your doctor.

Alcohol can mask depressive symptoms and may worsen a depressive episode.

Some people may become depressed from a lack of sunlight. This is called Seasonal Depressive Disorder.

In addition, many psychosocial disorders appear to precipitate depression in men and women.

Negative life events such as the death of a loved one, or loss of a relationship can also lead to depression. Economic difficulties can precipitate depression. Trauma can lead to inappropriate guilt, which leads to depression and other mental disorders. In addition, invalidating marriages or relationships can also contribute to depression.

Women who grow up with low self-esteem are prone to stress and depression. Often women base their self worth on external factors, which puts them at risk of depression and developing eating disorders.

Following are questions to consider if you suspect you may be depressed:

1. Have you lost interest in activities you formerly found interesting?

2. Do you experience feelings of helplessness?

3. Do you have difficulty with your concentration?

4. Have your sleep patterns changed (increased or decreased)?

5. Have you had significant weight loss or gain?

6. Do you experience excessive or inappropriate feelings of guilt?

7. Do you experience excessive fatigue or loss of energy?

8. Do you experience feelings of worthlessness?

9. Do you have thoughts of death or suicide?

If you have multiple “yes” answers or you have answered yes to the last question, it is important to seek help. Depression is a treatable disease. Don’t let it rob you of the pleasure of your life.