Depression

What causes depression? Who is affected? How is depression treated?

Depression is not simply "The Blues" it is beyond sadness.
If someone asked you if you are depressed, what would you say? "No way! I get up and go to work every day. How can I be depressed?"

Depression affects a person's mood, thinking, body and behavior in many ways. Depression is typically associated with loss of interest in usual activities and a lessened ability to experience pleasure. Difficulties with concentration, memory and even in making decisions are also symptoms of depression. It is not uncommon for individuals to "put on a happy face" and muddle through the fog, one day at a time.

You don't have to live with depression; here are two steps you can take to begin the process of feeling better and enjoying live:

STEP 1:    Talking with your primary care physician is an important first step.
                You can feel depression as aches and pains too.

            A. Make a list of your symptoms to give to your PCP. Include things such as:
                 - difficulty sleeping
                 - irritableness
                 - loss of interest in normally enjoyable activities.
            B. Conversation Starters:
                 - "I just don't feel like myself lately"
                 - "My spouse thinks I might be depressed"
                 - "I have not been sleeping well lately"

           C. Request blood tests to rule out deficiency levels in:
                 - Vitamin (B12, B5, D)
                 - Glucose
                 - Thyroid
                 - Hormone
                 - Iron

            D. Rule out sleep apnea (a condition that prevents a person from reaching deep sleep)

STEP 2:      Consider Counseling

                 - Counseling may be appropriate for depression. Combined with medication, chances of a full recovery increases dramatically.

              What therapy is not:
                 - Only for wimps,
                 - talking hours about how sad you feel,
                 - a reason to blame someone else for your problems
             What therapy is:
                 - a place where you can talk openly without being judged
                 - an opportunity to learn about yourself
                 - a chance to learn valuable skills that can help you long after your depression lifts

Remember, depression does not mean you are weak; it is a real illness with physical and emotional symptoms and it can be treated and
you do not need to face it alone.

Disclaimer: The information on this website is for general information purposes only. Use caution and seek the advice of qualified professionals, Primary Care Physician, Psychologist, Psychiatrist, or therapist before acting on information provided.