Depression
Q. What is depression?
A. Depression is more than the blues or the blahs; it is more than the normal,
everyday ups and downs. When that "down" mood, along with other symptoms,
lasts for more than a couple of weeks, the condition may be clinical depression.
Clinical depression is a serious health problem that affects the total person. In
addition to feelings, it can change behavior, physical health and appearance, academic
performance, social activity and the ability to handle everyday decisions and pressures.
Q. What causes clinical depression?
A. We do not yet know all the causes of depression, but there seem to be biological
and emotional factors that may increase the likelihood that an individual will develop a
depressive disorder. Research over the past decade strongly suggests a genetic link to
depressive disorders; depression can run in families. Bad life experiences and certain
personality patterns such as difficulty handling stress, low self-esteem, or extreme
pessimism about the future can increase the chances of becoming depressed.
Q. How common is it?
A. Clinical depression is a lot more common than most people think. It will
affect more than 19 million Americans this year. One-fourth of all women and one-eighth of
all men will suffer at least one episode or occurrence of depression during their
lifetimes. Depression affects people of all ages but is less common for teenagers than for
adults. Approximately 3 to 5 percent of the teen population experiences clinical
depression every year. That means among 100 friends, 4 could be clinically depressed.
Q. Is it serious?
A. Depression can be very serious. It has been linked to poor school
performance, truancy, alcohol and drug abuse, running away, and feelings of worthlessness
and hopelessness. In the last 25 years, the rate of suicide among teenagers and young
adults has increased dramatically. Suicide is often linked to depression.
Q. Are all depressive disorders alike?
A. There are various forms or types of depression. Some people experience only
one episode of depression in their whole life, but many have several recurrences. Some
depressive episodes begin suddenly for no apparent reason; while others can be associated
with a life situation or stress. Sometimes people who are depressed cannot perform even
the simplest daily activities -- like getting out of bed or getting dressed, others go
through the motions, but it is clear they are not acting or thinking as usual. Some people
suffer from bipolar depression in
which their moods cycle between two extremes -- from the depths of desperation to frenzied
talking or activity or grandiose ideas about their own competence.
Q. Can it be treated?
A. Yes, depression is treatable. Between 80 and 90 percent of people with
depression -- even the most serious forms -- can be helped. Symptoms can be relieved
quickly with psychological therapies, medications, or a combination of both. The most
important step toward overcoming depression -- and sometimes the most difficult -- is
asking for help.
Q. Why don't people get the help they need?
A. Often people don't know they are depressed, so they don't ask for or get the
right help. Teenagers and adults share a problem -- they often fail to recognize the
symptoms of depression in themselves or in people they care about.
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depression
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