Depression

Overview

Each year 11 million Americans suffer from major depressive episodes that last two weeks or more. Several of the below symptoms must be present to be categorized as depression. Treatment is usually necessary or the disorder can persist for weeks, months or even years.

Causes

There is a wide range of causes of depression. They can be related to family history, personality, coping abilities or other extenuating circumstances. People are more prone to depression when:

1. There is a family history of the disorder.

2. They have low self-esteem and poor stress-coping abilities.

3. They experience a loss, such as a death or a termination of a significant relationship.

4. They experience continuous financial stress.

5. They go through a major lifestyle change, such as moving

6. They have a serious illness that requires continuous treatment

Symptoms

Depression has many different symptoms, which include but are not limited to the following:

1. Persistent (lasting for more than two weeks) sad or empty feelings

2. Loss of interest in hobbies

3. Feeling guilty, helpless or worthless

4. Decreased energy or fatigue

5. Appetite and weight loss, or appetite and weight gain

6. Insomnia or excessive sleeping

7. Difficulty concentrating and making decisions

8. Thoughts or attempts of suicide

9. Physical symptoms that don’t respond to treatment, including headaches, stomachaches and chronic pain

Prevention

Prevention of depression is mostly feasible through lifestyle. Maintaining a low stress level is the best option for avoiding depression. Prevention steps include:

1. Eating a well-balanced diet

2. Eating three regular-sized meals at regular times during the day

3. Exercising at least three times a week for at least 45 minutes

4. Maintaining close relationships with friends and family members

5. Attending a church or synagogue when possible

6. Joining or staying a member of a community or social group

7. Limiting intake of alcohol, caffeine and nicotine

8. Having a pet or something else to care for

Treatment

There are different treatment options for depression. Depending on the amount of symptoms and the length of time one has been experiencing them for, these things are available:

1. Psychotherapy. Many people do not want to try this approach because of the negative stigma associated with it. However, psychologists and/or psychiatrists often provide good advice and suggest small steps to take so the client feels better.

2. Medication. There are prescription medications available that can alleviate the symptoms of depression. However, it is important to remember that these medications only get rid of the physical symptoms of depression. It is best when receiving psychotherapy as well as taking medications, because medications will not help with any of the emotional aspects of depression.

3. Remembering to keep things in perspective – depressed people should focus on making small changes to improve, rather than shooting for unattainable goals.

4. Not making any huge changes –people who suffer from depression should not make major changes in their lives, such as moving or changing jobs, until their disorder has been treated.