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At one time or another everyone experiences sadness which is a normal feeling that seems to fade with time. But for 17 million people each year -- about half of them women -- depression is a very real, oftentimes debilitating illness.
Depressive disorders don't just make you feel blue, they affect every aspect of your life. The number of symptoms experienced and the frequency and severity of those symptoms varies with the individual. Left untreated, symptoms may last a week, a month or several years, and tend to increase in frequency and severity over time.
Not everyone with a depressive disorder will have all of these symptoms and having some of the symptoms doesn't mean you have a depressive disorder. However, if these symptoms persist and begin to influence your ability to function in your job or family, you should consult your primary care physician who will recommend appropriate treatment for your condition, or refer you to a mental health professional.
Symptoms of Depression (Major Depression and Dysthymia)
- Sad or anxious mood that doesn't seem to go away
- Loss of interest in things that you used to enjoy
- Feeling of hopelessness and pessimism
- Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, helplessness
- Sleeping problems
- Change in weight
- Lack of energy, feeling fatigued or "slowed down"
- Suicidal thoughts or thoughts of death
- Irritability for no apparent reason
- Difficulty concentrating, remembering or making decisions
- Using alcohol or drugs to feel better
- Headaches, digestive disorders and chronic pains that persist over time and do not respond to treatment
Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder (formerly known as manic-depressive illness)
- Inappropriate elation, marked self confidence or sense of well-being
- Inappropriate and excessive irritability
- Severe insomnia
- Grandiose notions
- Disconnected and racing thoughts
- Excessive, rapid talking
- Delusions, paranoia, hallucinations
- Abundant, often erratic activity
- Inappropriate social behavior --not caused by alcohol or drug use)
- Poor judgment that leads to risk-taking behavior
There are a number of factors that increase the risk of developing a depressive disorder, including a family history of the illness, a chemical imbalance, sleep patterns and environmental factors such as experiencing a significant loss in your life, difficulty in a relationship, financial problems or a major life change. Acute or chronic illness can also mark the onset of depressive illness. Other factors that contribute to the onset include certain personal characteristics such as pessimism, low-self esteem, excessive worrying and a sense of little control over life events.
A number of factors in a woman's life increase the likelihood she will suffer from a depressive disorder.
- Stress and cultural expectation associated with developmental roles during adolescence
- Events in the reproductive cycle which mark a change in hormones affect the brain chemistry which control emotions and moods
- Personality traits
- Being sexually abused as a child or raped as a woman
Fortunately, 80 percent of those people suffering from a depressive disorder, even the most severe disorders, can be treated through medication, psychotherapy or a combination of both. Electroconvulsive therapy has also been used.
If you feel you or someone you care about is suffering from a depressive disorder, it is important to seek professional help. With treatment, you, or your loved one, can regain mental health and strength.
Additional Internet Resources:
National Institute of Mental Health
National Mental Health Association.
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