What is Depression?
Depression is more than the blues or the blahs; it is more than the normal, everyday ups and downs. When that "down" mood, along with other symptoms, lasts for more than a couple of weeks, the condition may be clinical depression. Clinical depression is a serious health problem that affects the total person. In addition to feelings, it can change behavior, physical health and appearance, academic performance, and the ability to handle everyday decisions and pressures.
What causes clinical depression?
We do not yet know all the causes of depression, but there seems to be biological and emotional factors that may increase the likelihood that an individual will develop a depressive disorder. Research over the past decade strongly suggests a genetic link to depressive disorders, depression can run in families. Bad life experiences and certain personality patterns such as difficulty handling stress, low self-esteem, or extreme pessimism about the future can increase the chances of becoming depressed.
How common is it?
Clinical depression is a lot more common than most people think. It affects 10 million Americans every year. One-fourth of all women and one-eighth of all men will suffer at least one episode or occurrence of depression during their lifetimes. Depression affects people of all ages but is less common for teenagers than for adults.
Is it serious?
Depression can be very serious. It has been linked to poor school performance,
truancy, alcohol and drug abuse, running away, and feelings of worthlessness and
hopelessness. In the last 25 years, the rate of suicide among teenagers and
young adults has increased dramatically. Suicide often is linked to depression.
Are all depressive disorders alike?
There are various forms or types of depression. Some people experience only one episode of depression in their whole life, but many have several recurrences. Some depressive episodes begin suddenly for no apparent reason, while others can be associated with a life situation or stress. Sometimes people who are depressed cannot perform even the simplest daily activities - like getting out of bed or getting dressed; others go through the motions, but it is clear they are not acting or thinking as usual. Some people suffer from bipolar depression in which their moods cycle between two extremes - from the depths of despair to frenzied heights of activity or grandiose ideas about their own competence.
Can it be treated?
Yes, depression is treatable. Between 80 and 90 percent of people with depression - even the most serious forms - can be helped. Symptoms can be relieved quickly with psychological therapies, medications, or a combination of both. The most important step toward treating depression - and sometimes the most difficult - is asking for help.
Symptoms of Depression
Find Someone That Can Help
Don't assume that someone else is taking care of the problem. Negative thinking, inappropriate behavior, or physical changes need to be reversed as quickly as possible. Not only does treatment lessen the severity of depression, treatment also may reduce the length of time (duration) your friend is depressed and may prevent additional bouts of depression.
If a friend shows many symptoms of depression, you can listen and encourage him or her to ask a parent or teacher about treatment. If your friend doesn't seek help quickly, talk to an adult you trust and respect - especially if your friend mentions death or suicide.
There are many places in the community where people with depressive disorders can be diagnosed and treated. Help is available from a family doctor, mental health specialists in community mental health centers or private clinics, and from other health professionals.
Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Public Health Service
Alcohol, Drug Abuse, and Mental Health Administration
http://www.nimh.nih.gov/publicat/childmenu.cfm