What is Depression?

Key facts

• Depression is a common mental disorder. Globally, more than 264 million people of all ages suffer from depression.

• Depression is a leading cause of disability worldwide and is a major contributor to the overall global burden of disease.

• More women are affected by depression than men.

• Depression can lead to suicide.

• There are effective psychological and pharmacological treatments for moderate and severe depression.

  (Source: WHO)

  UNDERSTANDING DEPRESSION

  • Depression is a serious condition. Don’t underestimate the seriousness of depression. Depression drains a person’s energy, optimism, and motivation. Your depressed loved one can’t just “snap out of it” by sheer force of will.

  • The symptoms of depression aren’t personal. Depression makes it difficult for a person to connect on a deep emotional level with anyone, even the people they love the most. It’s also common for depressed people to say hurtful things and lash out in anger. Remember that this is the depression talking, not your loved one, so try not to take it personally.

  • Hiding the problem won’t make it go away. It doesn’t help anyone involved if you try making excuses, covering up the problem, or lying for a friend or family member who is depressed. In fact, this may keep the depressed person from seeking treatment.

  • Your loved one isn’t lazy or unmotivated. When you’re suffering from depression, just thinking about doing the things that may help you to feel better can seem exhausting or impossible to put into action. Have patience as you encourage your loved one to take the first small steps to recovery.

  • You can’t “fix” someone else’s depression. As much as you may want to, you can’t rescue someone from depression nor fix the problem for them. You’re not to blame for your loved one’s depression or responsible for their happiness (or lack thereof). While you can offer love and support, ultimately recovery is in the hands of the depressed person.

Does anyone have depression?

Depression is a very real, very serious illness that affects millions of people each year. The majority of individuals who are diagnosed with depression are diagnosed correctly and able to recover with proper therapy and medication.

Still, a misdiagnosis is always possible. If you are being treated for depression but aren’t feeling better, it is entirely possible that you have a disorder that mimics the condition. Before starting an antidepressant regimen, it never hurts to take a blood test to rule out one of the commonly confused conditions, such as hypothyroidism or diabetes.

Remember, “It ain’t what you don’t know that gets you into trouble. It is what you know for sure that just ain’t so.”

Contributed by Courtney Lopresti, M.S.

Michael Thase, MD, psychiatrist and director of the Mood and Anxiety Program at the University of Pennsylvania, says “When you treat depression with medication, the actual ‘magical’ chemical ingredients matter maybe 15 percent. It’s really the process of working with a doctor and finding the motivation to recognize the problem and take steps toward fixing it that counts for most of the good.”

“You can get that much of the good in a non-medication intervention that includes diet, exercise, and talking to someone,” he believes. It’s really when you start taking care of yourself — which taking control of your diet certainly counts as — you get remoralization, Thase adds. “Your spirits pick up and that’s an antidepressant.”

THE RISK OF SUICIDE IS REAL

It may be hard to believe that the person you know would ever consider something as drastic as suicide, but a depressed person may not see any other way out. Depression clouds judgment and distorts thinking, causing a normally rational person to believe that death is the only way to end the pain they’re feeling.

Since suicide is a very real danger when someone is depressed, it’s important to know the warning signs:

• Talking about suicide, dying, or harming oneself; a preoccupation with death

• Expressing feelings of hopelessness or self-hate

• Acting in dangerous or self-destructive ways

• Getting affairs in order and saying goodbye

• Seeking out pills, weapons, or other lethal objects

• A sudden sense of calm after depression

If you think a friend or family member might be considering suicide, don’t wait, talk to them about your concerns. Many people feel uncomfortable bringing up the topic but it is one of the best things you can do for someone who is thinking about suicide. Talking openly about suicidal thoughts and feelings can save a person’s life, so speak up if you’re concerned and seek professional help immediately!