Symptoms of depression
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, common symptoms of depression include:• Persistent sad, anxious or “empty” feelings.
• Hopelessness.
• Feelings of guilt and worthlessness.
• Feelings of helplessness, irritability and restlessness.
• Loss of interest in activities once considered pleasurable.
• Decreased energy.
• Prolonged periods of fatigue.
For some, depression can markedly change a person’s thinking process. People find concentrating, making decisions or remembering details difficult or impossible. Family members may notice lifestyle changes in a depressed person, such as loss of appetite, overeating, insomnia or excessive sleeping.
Who gets depressed?
Depression is more common among women than men. Biological, life cycle, hormonal and psychological factors have been linked to higher rates of depression in women. In addition to these factors, women are more likely to admit to feelings of depression.For some women, giving birth and the responsibility of caring for a newborn can lead to depression. Postpartum depression is different, and much more serious than the “baby blues.” According to the NIMH, women who experience postpartum depression often have had depressive episodes before. The NIMH also points out that some women are susceptible to a severe form of mood shift prior to their menstrual cycle. Premenstrual dysphoric disorder is a condition resulting from hormonal changes that occur around ovulation and before menstruation begins.
For men, depression may come with a different set of symptoms, and - unsurprisingly - men often use different coping mechanisms. Men are more likely to acknowledge having fatigue, irritability, loss of interest in activities and sleep disturbances.
How is depression treated?
Depression is a medical condition that affects men and women young and old, but recovery is possible with proper treatment and self-care.Clinical trials performed over the past two decades have shown that psychotherapy (“talk therapy”), antidepressant medications, or a combination of both is effective treatment. In addition, the NIMH stresses that there are a number things that people can do to help improve their mood, thought process and life:
• Engage in mild activity or exercise regularly.
• Spend time with other people.
• Confide in a trusted friend.
• Break large tasks down into small ones.
• Prioritize activities.
• Consciously change negative to positive thoughts.
• Be willing to let some things go.
Depression upsets an individual’s inner clock, so it is important to develop a sleep routine that includes going to bed in a dark, quiet room at the same time every night, rising at the same time in the morning and avoiding daytime naps that last longer than 20 to 30 minutes.
You can obtain reliable information on depression and recovery from the National Alliance on Mental Illness at www.nami.org and from the National Institute of Mental Health at www.nimh.nih.gov.
John Honsky is an advanced practice registered nurse with Family Mental Health at St. Patrick Hospital and Health Sciences Center. Questions for our clinicians? Please send them to info@saintpatrick.org. Remember, we cannot give individual diagnoses or advice.
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