| Depression - Definition and it's Possible Causes | Depression affects approximately 19 million Americans, or 9.5% of the population in any given one-year period. At some point in their lives, 10%-25% of women and 5%-12% of men will likely become clinically depressed. In fact, it affects so many people that it is often referred to as the "common cold" of mental illness. It is estimated that depression exacts an economic cost of over $30 billion each year, but the cost of human suffering cannot be measured. Depression not only causes suffering to those who are depressed, but it also causes great difficulty for their family and friends who often do not know how to help. Clinical depression is more than just the “blues�?or experiencing temporary feelings of sadness most people will exhibit from time to time. It is a serious condition that affects a person's mind and body and can become fatal if not treated. It impacts all aspects of everyday life for the sufferer including eating, sleeping, working, relationships, and how a person thinks about himself/herself. People who are clinically depressed cannot simply will themselves to feel better. If they do not receive appropriate treatment their symptoms can continue for weeks, months, or even years. The good news is that very effective treatments are available to help those who are depressed. However, only about one-third of those who are depressed actually receive treatment. This is unfortunate since upwards of 80-90% of those who do seek treatment can feel better within just a few weeks. Many people do not seek treatment for depression for a variety of reasons. Some believe that depression is the result of a personal weakness or character flaw. This is simply not true. Like diabetes, heart disease, or any other medical condition, clinical depression is an illness that should be treated by a mental health professional or physician. Many people do not seek help for depression because they simply do not recognize the signs or symptoms of depression; although they may suspect that something is not quite right with them.  ~ Symptoms of Depression ~ People who are depressed or manic may not experience all of the following symptoms. Some will have many symptoms, others will have just a few. The severity of the symptoms may also be different for every person and even vary over time. If you are experiencing some of these symptoms or if you have questions about whether you may be depressed or manic, you should consult with your physician or a qualified mental health professional. If you or someone you know is considering suicide, or has made plans to do so, you should seek the help of a mental health professional or physician immediately. Depressed people may experience: - Sadness, anxiety, or "empty" feelings
- Decreased energy, fatigue, being "slowed down"
- Loss of interest or pleasure in activities that were once enjoyed, including sex
- Insomnia, oversleeping, or waking much earlier than usual
- Loss of weight or appetite, or overeating and weight gain
- Feelings of hopelessness and pessimism
- Feelings of helplessness, guilt, and worthlessness
- Thoughts of death or suicide, or suicide attempts
- Difficulty concentrating, making decisions, or remembering
- Restlessness, irritability or excessive crying
- Chronic aches and pains or physical problems that do not respond to treatment
~ Possible Causes of Depression ~ It is not fully known exactly what causes clinical depression. There are a number of theories including biological and genetic factors, environmental influences, and childhood or developmental events. It is generally believed that clinical depression is most often caused by the influence of more than just one or two factors. Someone whose parent had recurrent major depression may be predisposed to developing clinical depression (genetic influence) as well. This combined with how the person thinks about themselves (psychological influence) in response to stress (environmental influence) may put them at a greater risk for developing depression than someone else who does not have such influences. The causes of clinical depression are likely to be different for different people. Sometimes a depressive episode can appear to come out of nowhere at a time when everything seems to be going fine. Other times, depression may be directly related to a significant event in our lives such as losing a loved one, experiencing trauma, or battling a chronic illness. ~ Risk Factors for Depression ~ Essentially we are all at risk for developing a depressive illness. No one is completely immune to this condition. People of all ages, races, and social class can become clinically depressed. The more common illnesses of major depression and bipolar disorder do tend to affect some groups of individuals more so than others. Some features of these groups, when associated with the development of a depressive illness, are known as "risk factors." No one is predestined to develop clinical depression. However, it is important to be aware of risk factors so that those of us who may be vulnerable can educate ourselves, be attentive to warning signs, and take steps towards recognizing and preventing the escalation of symptoms. ~ Risk Factors For Major Depression ~ Marital factors: Women who are unhappily married, divorced, or separated, have high rates of major depression. The rates are lower for those who are happily married. Age: While clinical depression usually occurs for the first time when a person is between the ages of 20 and 50, people over the age of 65 are especially vulnerable. Previous episode: If you have had major depression once before, your chances of developing it again increase. According to some estimates, approximately one-half of those who have developed depression will experience it again. Heredity: People who have relatives who have had clinical depression have a greater chance of developing it themselves. Also, having a close relative with bipolar disorder may increase a person's chances of developing major depression. Gender: Women are about as twice as likely as men to be diagnosed and treated for major depression. Approximately 20-25% of women and 12% of men will experience a serious depression at least once in their lifetimes. Among children, depression appears to occur in equal numbers of girls and boys. As girls reach adolescence, they tend to become more depressed than boys do. This gender difference continues into older age. There are several theories as to why more women than men are diagnosed and treated for depression: - Women may be more likely than men to seek treatment. They may be more willing to accept that they have emotional symptoms of depressed mood and feelings of worthlessness or hopelessness.
- Men may be less willing to acknowledge their emotional symptoms and more apt to suppress their depression through the use of alcohol or other substances. In such cases depression can be "masked," or viewed only as alcohol or drug dependency/abuse rather than as clinical depression.
- Women may tend to be under more stress than men. In today's society women often have to manage a variety of conflicting roles. They have many responsibilities and full schedules at home and work.
- Women may be more prone to depression because of the possible effects of hormones. Women have frequent changes in their hormone levels, from their monthly menstrual cycles, to the time during and after pregnancy, to menopause. Some women develop a depressive illness around these events.
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