People often use the word depression to describe the temporary sadness, loneliness, or blues that everyone feels from time to time. It is normal to feel these feelings, temporarily—however, in contrast to normal sadness, severe depression or major depression can dramatically impair a person’s ability to function in social situations and at work. People with major depression often have feelings of despair, hopelessness, and worthlessness, as well as thoughts of suicide. “Surveys indicate that people commonly view depressions as a sign of personal weakness, but psychiatrists and psychologists view it as a real illness.”

Depression can affect anyone, regardless of their sex, race, ethnicity, or socioeconomic status, however, research has shown that the illness tends to run in families. Researchers have found evidence of a strong genetic influence in depression - so much that “genetically identical twins raised in the same environment are three times more likely to have depression in common than fraternal twins, who have only about half of their genes in common.” Research has even shown that children born from depressed people are vulnerable to depression even when raised by adoptive parents.

The causes of depression vary. Some depression comes out of the blue, even when things are going well. “Others seem to have obvious cause: a marital conflict, financial difficulties, or some personal failure. Yet many people with these problems do not become deeply depressed. Most psychologists believe depression results from an interaction between stressful life situations and a person’s biological and psychological vulnerabilities.”

But there is hope. With proper diagnosis, treatment and possible medication, a person with severe depression can lead a healthy, normal life. Help is available. Call 941-3138 for more information.

Symptoms of Depression

Appetite/Sleep Changes
Depression usually alters a person’s appetite, sometimes increasing it, but usually reducing it. In younger children, depression may include physical complaints of “stomachaches or headaches”.

Changes in Energy
Depression often changes a person’s energy level. Some people may be restless or agitated, others may “mope around”, feel sluggish or warn out. Depressed people may also have difficulty thinking, concentrating, and problems with memory.

Poor Self –Esteem
People with depression often experience feelings of worthlessness, guilt, and self-blame. “Some depressed people complain of being spiritually or morally dead.” The mirror they see of themselves seems to reflect someone ugly, repulsive, stupid, and deficient. Fifteen percent of those seriously depressed commit suicide and many more attempt it.

-MSN, 2003