This article explains what depression is and what it’s not. “I am depressed” is a frequent remark by people. What exactly is depression? How do you know you are depressed? What are the signs, and how do you feel? The reality is that depression affects nearly one in six people at some point in their lives; hence, the question is, what are the simple truths about depression? So depression is:
A serious medical condition
Depression is a serious medical condition and shouldn’t be confused with ordinary sadness. For instance, in depressed patients, the nerve circuits that regulate mood seem to function abnormally. Depressed people are not weepy: at least not all the time. Some people don’t cry or even act sad when they’re depressed. Instead, they may appear emotionally “blank” and may feel worthless or useless. Even without dramatic symptoms, untreated depression prevents people from living life to its fullest, with a significant impact on families. And like other illnesses, it usually improves with appropriate treatment.
Not recognised in men
A depressed man, their loved ones, and even their doctor may not recognise depression. That’s because men are less likely than women to talk about their feelings — and some depressed men don’t appear sad or down. Instead, men may be irritable, angry, or restless. They may even lash out at others. Some men try to cope with depression through reckless behavior, drinking, or drugs.
Anyone can get depressed
Anyone can get depressed. Though the illness is twice as common in women as in men, it may be that women are more likely to seek help. It’s often first noticed in the late teens or 20s, but an episode can develop at any age. Besides, tough personal experiences can sometimes trigger depression in people who are at risk for the illness.
Starts slowly
Depression can creep up gradually, which makes it harder to identify than a sudden illness. A bad day turns into a rut, and you start skipping work, school, or social occasions. One type, called dysthymia, can last for years as a chronic, low-level illness – a malaise that silently undermines your career and relationships. Or depression can become a severe, disabling condition. With treatment, many feel substantial relief in four to six weeks.
Family history is not destiny
If depression appears in your family tree, you’re more likely to experience it, too. But chances are you won’t. People with a family history can watch for early symptoms of depression and take positive action promptly.
Depression imitates dementia
In seniors, depression can be the root cause of memory problems, confusion, and in some cases, delusions. Caregivers and doctors may mistake these problems for signs of dementia or an age-related memory decline. Getting treatment lifts the cloud for the majority of older people with depression. Psychotherapy can also be a useful part of treatment for older adults with depression who may be coping with loss, medical illnesses, or other life changes.
Positive thinking helps
Highlighting positive thinking can ease depression. It’s called cognitive behavioral therapy. People learn new ways of thinking and behaving. Biased negative self-talk and behavior are identified and replaced with more accurate and balanced ways of thinking about yourself and the world.
Exercise is good treatment
Studies now show that regular, moderately intense exercise can improve symptoms of depression. Also works as well as some medicines for people with mild to moderate depression. Exercising with a group, or a good friend, adds social support, another mood booster.
Can be sadness, not depression
Some life events cause sadness or disappointment, but do not become clinical depression. Grief is normal after a death, divorce, loss of a job, or diagnosis with a serious health problem. One clue of a need for treatment is that the sadness is constant every day, most of the day. When people are weathering difficult times appropriately, they can usually be distracted or cheered up for short periods.
Not a hopeless case
In the depths of depression, people may think there’s no hope for a better life. This hopelessness is part of the illness, not a reality. With treatment, positive thinking gradually replaces negative thoughts. Sleep and appetite improve as the depressed mood lifts. And people who’ve seen a counselor for talk therapy are equipped with better coping skills to deal with the stresses in life that can get you down. Better days ahead are assured.
No lifetime medication
Asking for help does not mean that your doctor will advise medications, although medicines can often help severe forms of depression. However, studies suggest “talk” therapy works as well as drugs for mild to moderate depression. And using antidepressants probably won’t be for life. Your doctor will help you determine the right time to stop your medication.
Depression not linked to ageing
Most people navigate the challenges of aging without becoming depressed. But when it does occur, it may be overlooked.. Besides, medical problems can trigger depression in seniors — and depression can slow recovery from a heart attack or surgery.
Teen depression is real
When unhappiness lasts more than two weeks in teens, it may be a sign of depression, which develops in about one in 11 teens. Other signs a teen may need help include: being constantly sad or irritable even with friends, taking no pleasure in favorite activities, or a sudden drop in grades.
Depression is not difficult to treat
The reality is that most people who take action to lift their depression do get better. In a large study on mental health, 70% of people became symptom-free through medications, though not always with the first medicine. Studies show that the most effective treatment is often a combination of medication and psychotherapy. Talking makes things better, not worse. There’s evidence today that guided discussions with a professional can make things much better. Different types of psychotherapy help treat depression by addressing negative thought patterns, unconscious feelings, or relationship troubles. The first step is to talk to a mental health professional.
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