Depression Symptoms and Treatment

What is depression?

Depression is a condition in which you feel sad, hopeless, and uninterested in daily life. You may have other symptoms as well.

We all have times when we feel sad and blue. However, when you feel this way for more than 2 weeks in a row, it is called clinical depression. Clinical depression is a medical problem.

Different kinds of clinical depression last for different amounts of time. Experts do not fully understand why. Often depression lasts a few weeks and never comes again. It can also last months or years. Some people experience depression over and over all their lives.

What is the cause?

Depression can start at any age. It usually starts in the late teenage through young adult years unless it is caused by medical or substance abuse problems. It may come on slowly over weeks or months, but it can also come on suddenly.

The exact cause of depression is not known. It may result from chemical imbalances in the brain and nervous system. You may have abnormal levels of the chemicals that your nervous system uses to send signals to and from the brain. Depression tends to run in families. Things like job stress, loss of significant relationships, poverty, major illness, negative thinking patterns, or a history of trauma also play a part.

What are the symptoms?

Depression can be mild, moderate, or severe. Besides feeling sad and uninterested in things you usually enjoy, you may also:

• Be irritable.
• Have trouble falling asleep, wake up very early, or sleep too much.
• Notice changes in your appetite and weight, either up or down.
• Notice changes in your energy level, usually down but sometimes feeling overexcited.
• Have low sexual desire.
• Feel worthless and guilty.
• Have trouble concentrating or remembering things.
• Feel hopeless or just not care about anything.
• Have unexplained physical symptoms.
• Think often about death or suicide.

How is it diagnosed?

Your healthcare provider or a mental health therapist can tell you if your symptoms are caused by clinical depression. He or she will ask about your symptoms and any drug or alcohol use. You may have some lab tests to rule out medical problems such as hormone imbalances.

How is it treated?

Depression is a physical illness as well as a psychological one. Do not expect yourself to "snap out of it." It will take time to treat depression. You should not try to overcome clinical depression by yourself. Depression can be successfully treated with psychotherapy, antidepressant medicine, or both. Discuss this with your healthcare provider or therapist.

Medicine

Several types of medicines can help treat depression. Your healthcare provider will work with you to carefully select the best one for you.

You must take these medicines daily for 3 to 6 weeks to get full benefit from them. Most people benefit most from taking these medicines for at least 6 months.

Certain medicines can add to the symptoms of depression. Be sure that your healthcare provider knows about all of the medicines, vitamins and supplements you are taking.

Psychotherapy

Seeing a mental health therapist can help. Therapy may last a short time or may need to go on for many months. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a way to help you identify and change thought processes that can lead to depression. Replacing negative thoughts with more positive ones can help you with depression.

Natural Remedies and Alternative Treatments

Diets rich in fruits and vegetables are recommended for people with depression. A multivitamin and mineral supplement may also be recommended.

Claims have been made that certain herbal and dietary products help control depression symptoms. Omega-3 fatty acids may help to reduce symptoms of depression. St. John's wort may help mild symptoms of depression. It will not help severe cases of depression. St. John’s wort may interact with other medicines for depression. Do not take St. John’s wort without telling your healthcare provider. It may worsen bipolar disorder. No herb or dietary supplement has been proven to consistently or completely relieve depression. Supplements are not tested or standardized and may vary in strength and effects. They may have side effects and are not always safe.

Learning ways to relax may help. Yoga and meditation may also be helpful. You may want to talk with your healthcare provider about using these methods along with medicines and psychotherapy.

How can I take care of myself?

• Get support. Talk with family and friends. Consider joining a support group in your area.
• Learn to manage stress. Ask for help at home and work when the load is too great to handle. Find ways to relax, for example take up a hobby, listen to music, watch movies, take walks. Try deep breathing exercises when you feel stressed.
• Take care of your physical health. Try to get at least 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night. Eat a healthy diet. Limit caffeine. If you smoke, quit. Avoid alcohol and drugs, because they can make your symptoms worse. Exercise according to your healthcare provider's instructions.
• Check your medicines. To help prevent problems, tell your healthcare provider and pharmacist about all the medicines, natural remedies, vitamins, and other supplements that you take.
• Contact your healthcare provider or therapist if you have any questions or your symptoms seem to be getting worse.

When should I seek help?

Do not try to overcome depression all by yourself. Seek professional help if you believe that you or a loved one have the symptoms of clinical depression.

Get emergency care if you or a loved one have serious thoughts of suicide or harming others.