Depression is marked by sadness, hopelessness, helplessness, pessimism, and a loss of interest in life. Symptoms of depression include long-lasting crying spells, fatigue, loss of interest or pleasure in ordinary activities including sex, changes in eating and sleeping patterns, lack of concentration, and thoughts of suicide or death.
Causes
A lot of things can lead to depression:
Life changes such as the birth of
a baby, divorce, retirement, loss of a job, or death of a loved one. (See Grief/Bereavement.)
Worrying about financial problems
Chronic or acute medical conditions
Abuse of alcohol, drugs, and some
medications
Lack of natural, unfiltered sunlight
between late fall and spring in some sensitive people. This is called Seasonal Affective
Disorder (SAD). It only strikes people that are prone to this disorder.
A side effect of medicines such as some to
treat high blood pressure
Holiday "blues"
Depression can, however, be a disease in and of itself.
Treatment
Whatever the cause, depression can be treated. Treatment includes
medication such as antidepressants, psychotherapy, and other therapies specific to the
cause of the depression, such as exposure to bright light (similar to sunlight) for
depression that results from SAD.
Have you just tried to commit suicide or are you planning ways to
commit suicide?  |
 |
Has there been a lot less interest or pleasure in almost all
activities most of the day, nearly every day for at least 2 weeks? Or, have you been in a
depressed mood most of the day nearly every day and have you had any of the following for
at least 2 weeks? Feeling slowed down or restless and
unable to sit still Feeling worthless or guilty Changes in appetite or weight loss or gain Thoughts of death or suicide Problems concentrating, thinking,
remembering, or making decisions Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much Loss of energy or feeling tired all the time Headaches Aches and pains Digestive problems Sexual problems Feelings of pessimism or hopelessness Worried or anxious feeling |
 OR  |
| Has depression interfered with daily activities for more than 2
weeks? Have you withdrawn from normal activities during this time? |
OR |
| Has the depression occurred as the result of any of the following? A medical problem Taking over-the-counter or prescription
medicine Abusing alcohol or drugs |
 |
| Does the depression come with dark, cloudy weather or winter
months and does it lift when spring comes? |
|
| Are you feeling depressed now and do any of the following apply? You have been depressed before and
not gotten treatment. You have been treated for depression in the
past and it has returned. You have taken medication for depression in
the past. |
OR  |
| During holiday times, do you? Withdraw from family and friends? Dwell on past holidays to the point that it
interferes with your present life? |
OR |
To Overcome Mild, Situational Depression:
Be with positive people. They'll
lift your morale.
Do something to help someone else. This
will focus your attention away from yourself.
Get some physical exercise every day. Walk,
jog, bike, play tennis, etc.
Do something different. Walk or drive to a
new place. Try a new restaurant.
Take a vacation doing something you enjoy.
Tackle a new project or do something that
lets you express yourself, such as writing or painting.
Relax. Listen to soft music, take a warm
bath or shower. Do relaxation exercises.
Talk to someone who will let you express
the tensions and frustrations you are feeling.
Avoid drugs and alcohol. These can cause or
worsen depression.
{Note: For information on depression see "Places to Get Information & Help" under Depression.}
HEALTH AT HOME - Your Complete Guide to Symptoms, Solutions, and Self-Care © 1999 by Don R. Powell. American Institute for Preventive Medicine.
Date updated 02/01/99