Many individuals living inAnguillaare now admitting that they have clinical depression. Depression is a serious mental illness that can have serious consequences if not treated. It is important to recognise the signs and symptoms of depression so that the illness can be properly diagnosed and treated.
What is clinical depression?
Clinical depression is a common mental disorder that presents with depressed mood, loss of interest or pleasure, feelings of guilt or low self-worth, disturbed sleep or appetite, low energy, and poor concentration. These problems can become chronic or recurrent and lead to substantial impairments in an individual’s ability to take care of his or her everyday responsibilities. At its worst, depression can lead to suicide.
All of us have periods of sadness – the blues – but this is not the same as clinical depression. Though many casually use the term “depressed” to describe their glum moments, the condition is much more than simply feeling melancholy.
The fact is that depression is an illness where sadness is persistent and intense, and feelings of helplessness and hopelessness are accompanied by debilitating physical effects. These include disturbed sleep, loss of energy and even physical aches and pains.
Contrary to what some may believe, “snapping out” of a true depression is impossible: the only way to escape its clutches is to seek proper medical advice.
Who gets depression?
Depression occurs in persons of all genders, ages, and backgrounds. Children are now noted to have depression at increasing rates.
What are the warning signs of depression?
Sometimes people may not realise how depressed they are, especially if they have been feeling the same for a long time; if they have been trying to cope with their depression by keeping themselves busy; or if their depressive symptoms are more physical than emotional.
As a general rule, if you have experienced four or more of the below symptoms and signs, for most of the day nearly everyday, for over two weeks, then you should seek help.
The symptoms and signs include the following:
• Tiredness and loss of energy
• Persistent low mood or sadness
• Loss of self-confidence and self-esteem
• Feeling hopeless and helpless
• Difficulty concentrating
• Feeling tearful
• Feeling guilt-ridden
• Not being able to enjoy things that are usually pleasurable
• Sleeping problems – difficulties in getting to sleep or waking much earlier than usual
• Avoiding other people
• Finding it hard to function at work/college/school
• Loss of appetite
• Loss of sex drive
• Physical aches and pains
• Thinking about suicide and death
• Self-harm
The symptoms of depression can have a knock-on effect on daily life – with work suffering, social contact falling away and increased difficulties in home and family life. Depression can come on gradually, so it can be difficult to notice something is wrong.
Often it takes a friend or family member to suggest there may be a problem. There is no single cause for clinical depression. It can be triggered by a host of different factors – from bereavement to divorce, illness, job worries, money issues or a combination of things that lead to a “downward spiral”.
Other factors associated with depression
There are some genetic factors associated with depression, and hormonal changes, such as giving birth, can lead to increased instances of depression.
Seek help
There are several treatment options for depression but, to be treated, the person must first seek help.
The key thing is to see your doctor. While there may seem no way out of the mire, the fact is that the sooner you seek help the sooner the depression will be treated.
Treatment
Treatments vary from simple exercise and talking therapies for milder depression, to antidepressants or a combination of the foregoing if symptoms are more severe.
Treatment takes time to work but has a good chance of success.
There are also some simple self-help tips to follow that can stop depression from getting worse. They include:
• Do not bottle things up – tell people close to you how you feel
• Do not despair – most people with depression recover
• Eat regularly and healthily even if your appetite is lacking
• Try to take regular exercise in the open air, even if just a brisk walk
• Do not drink too much alcohol which can make problems worse
• Avoid making major decisions while depressed – for example quitting a job, moving house or finishing a relationship. Seek treatment first
• Tell your doctor if you feel you are getting worse, and particularly if suicidal thoughts are troubling you
Conclusion
Most of us feel sad, lonely, or depressed at times. Feeling depressed is a normal reaction to loss, life’s struggles, or an injured self-esteem, but when these feelings become overwhelming, and last for long periods of time, they can keep us from leading a normal, active life. That is when it is time to seek medical help.
If left untreated, symptoms of clinical or major depression may worsen and last for years. They can cause untold suffering and possibly lead to suicide. Recognising the symptoms and signs of depression is often the biggest hurdle to the diagnosis and treatment of clinical or major depression.
Ask Your Doctor is a health education column and is not a substitute for medical advice from your physician. Dr Brett Hodge is an Obstetrician/Gynaecologist and Family Doctor who has over twenty eight years in clinical practice. Dr Hodge has a medical practice in theJohnsonBuildingin The Valley.
