Depression is a very common disorder, affecting over 10 million adults every year. Nearly twice as many women as men suffer from depression. Individuals suffering from depression generally experience more 'downs' than 'ups' for extended periods of time. If left untreated, depression related illness often interferes with normal activities and functioning, including how we act around family, friends and coworkers.
Depression related disorders not only affect a person emotionally, but may lead to physical ailments as well. A person who shows signs of one or more of the following symptoms may be experiencing depression:
| Emotional Symptoms of Depression | |||
| Trouble concentrating | |||
| Low energy | |||
| Fatigue | |||
| Lack of motivation | |||
| Feelings of isolation | |||
| Loss of interest in favorite activities | |||
| Constant Worry | |||
| Feeling worthless or guilty for no reason | |||
| Loss of interest in family and friends | |||
| Persistent sadness or unhappiness | |||
| Irritability | |||
| Thoughts of suicide |
| Physical Symptoms of Depression | |||
| Low energy, fatigue | Unexplained pain, frequent headaches | Crying, feelings of sadness | Disruption of normal sleep pattern | Loss of appetite | Physical discomfort |
The most common classifications of depression are defined below:
- Clinical Depression-Clinical depression is described as being serious enough to require clinical (professional) and possibly even pharmacological intervention. Usually, to be considered clinical depression, the symptoms have been professionally observed by a medical practitioner and last for more than two continuous weeks at a time.
- PostPartum Depression- This class of depression can be referred to as "PDD" or also "postnatal depression." PDD can be experienced by women who have had a baby in recent weeks or months. Some women also experience Post Partum Depression prior to having their baby. PDD can last for more than 2 or 3 weeks at a time and is much more severe than anxiety, reported by some postpartum women. Severe cases of PostPartum depression have also been linked to Postpartum Psychosis, whose symptoms may include losing touch with reality and hallucinations.
- Teen Depression- Teen depression is becoming more and more common in our society, affecting millions of teens nationwide. Teen depression can be identified by numerous symptoms including: difficulty coping with anger, problems in school, weight loss, weight gain, difficulty sleeping, a desire to use drugs or drink alcohol and an interest in violence. If left untreated, teen depression can often lead to more severe symptoms and last months or years.
- Bipolar Disorder- Often referred to as manic depression, this disorder causes times of extreme highs (mania) and then, without warning, can change direction and cause periods of extreme lows (depression). Symptoms of mania can include rapid idea changes, intense irritability and decreased sleep.
What is the cause of Depression?
Depression may be caused by a combination of factors, and over time can lead to a chemical imbalance in the brain. Over the last two decades, extensive scientific and clinical study indicates that the most common cause of anxiety and depression related symptoms originates with an irregular distribution of neurotransmitters in the brain, such as Serotonin and Norepenephrine.
These chemicals, along with other neurotransmitters are thought to be essential to cell-to-cell communication in the brain. A chemical imbalance of these key neurotransmitters causes a disturbance within specific receptor sites in the brain. An event such as being laid off, a financial loss, a medical illness or a death in the family can trigger this sort of imbalance and can eventually lead to depression. A person may also experience symptoms of depression suddenly and for no apparent reason.
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