"What is Depression? How Did I Get It , and What Do I Do about It?"

By: Jana Allemeier NCC, LMHC

Depression is a serious medical illness.  It affects the body, mood, and emotions as well as eating and sleeping habits, self-esteem, and the way a person looks and thinks about other people, events, and the rest of the world.

There is more than one kind of depression and more than one level of intensity, just as in other diseases such as heart disease or cancer.  Three common types are Major Depression, Dysthymia, and Bi-polar Disorder, which all vary in the number of symptoms, severity and duration.  Not all people have all the symptoms.  Some people may have only a few symptoms.  Some of the symptoms are:

Persistant, sad, anxious or "empty" mood
Decreased energy, fatigue, feeling "slowed down"
Feelings of hoplessness, pessimism
Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities, even sex
Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, helplessness
Insomnia, waking up too early, or oversleeping
Difficulty with memory, concentration, or making decisions
Overeating and weight gain, weight loss from not eating
Irritabliltiy, restlessness
Headaches, stomach problems, or intestinal difficulties
Pain that has no apparent cause & does not respond to treatment
Thoughts of death or suicide; suicide attempts

There are many reasons a person might develop depression; sometimes it runs in families for generation after generation (especially bi-polar disorder), somtimes no one in the family has ever had a depressive disorder.

Persons who suffer from low self-esteem, view themselves and the world with a negative outlook, or tend to be overwhelmed by stress or life events may actually be suffering from an early mild form of the illness.  This can indicate they are prone to depression and may be at risk of developing more intense symptoms without prompt action on their part.

Taking action to change things will help people deal with feelings of being exhausted, helpless, worthless, or hopeless.  These negative views are part of the illness and will change to a more realistic view of the acutal circumstances as treatment begins to take effect. In the meantime there are activities a  person can do that can be of benefit.

• Exert some effort to be with other people (it's better than being alone) and try to confide in someone you trust.
• Consider the effects of the depression and set realistic goals, assuming a reasonable amount of responsiblility.
• Set some priorities, breaking large tasks into smaller ones, do what you can, spreading the tasks out over time.
• Do an activity (or activities) that you enjoyed in the past; it may make you feel better.
• Going to a movie, a ball game, or do some mild exercise like going for a walk, or participating in something at church may help you.

All important decisions should be postponed if possible until the depression is gone or at least significantly lifted.  If it is necessary to make a significant change or decision discuss it with someone that would have a more objective viewpoint and who knows you well.  This includes changing jobs, getting married (or divorced), or any other decision that would produce a significant transition in your life.

Remember, negative thinking is part of the depression and will disappear, replaced by positive thinking as you respond to treatment. Also be sure to let your family and friends help you.

Seek professional help to assist you in recovering from any depression you are experiencing.  You will recover faster and will learn new methods of coping with situations to help prevent future depression.

    
 * Information from National Institute of Mental Health *