Depression

This week was probably the worst possible week to get sick.  I had a speech to give, play practice to go to (the play is next week too and when I get sick, it lingers), and I had to write a post about depression.  Depression is probably the worst topic to write about when you're sick.  I was weak and miserable and just researching depression made me depressed, but I realized that my lethargy was no where near what people go through who suffer from depression.   

Depression is a silent killer. Many who suffer from it can hide it enough to go unnoticed and never ask for help. Many don’t even realize they have a problem and think everyone deals with the same emotions and physical problems. Suicide is thought to be the only way out; that no one will help because this disease tends to cause people to have negative, distrusting thoughts towards others. Depression also causes the feeling of worthlessness which leads to delusional thoughts like “No one would want to help me or care if I died.”

Causes of Depression

• Physical, mental, or sexual abuse
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• Prolonged illness
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• Chronic pain
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• Medication
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• Relationship conflict
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• Loved one’s death or any personal loss
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• Addiction
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• Stressful events
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• Other personal problems such as rejection and insecurity
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• No reason or none that has been discovered yet

Though these factors cause depression there still has to be another reason. After all, people live through many of the trials listed above without having depression.

Genetics?

Depression tends to run in families. This may suggest that there's a genetic link, but scientist’s have not found a specific “depression gene.” It could just be that those brought up by parents that suffer from depression might “catch” it. A child may be unknowingly “taught” depression just by being exposed to it from living with people with negative philosophies towards life.

Biology?

Scientists have been able to find differences and chemical imbalances in the brain between people who have depression and people who don’t.

Types of Depression

The American Psychiatric Association has comprised the criteria of symptoms for a person to have a form of depression. The three listed below are the most common, but there are also other types of depression that are distinguished by their unique signs, duration, and severity of symptoms. A common criteria in all depressive disorders are that they cause distress, impair function, and are not caused by a medical ailment (like hormonal imbalance), medication, substance abuse, or recent death of a friend or relative.

Major Depression (also known as Major Depressive Disorder, and Clinical Depression)

Major depression must have one or both of these symptoms: depressed mood and loss of interest. There should be at least four additional symptoms from the following:

• mental tension shown in unusual physical movement (like unable to sit still or the opposite; fatigue) 
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• increase or decrease in appetite and weight
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• feeling worthless or excessive guilt
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• negative thoughts and distrust of others
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• difficulty concentrating, thinking, making decisions
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• insomnia or hypersomnia
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• thoughts of death or attempts at taking one’s life

Everyone can feel some or even all of the symptoms of major depression, but the difference is that a person with major depressive disorder can’t function--for him it is a disability. Symptoms should be present daily for at least two weeks and cause stress or a cease of normal functioning.

Chronic Depression (also known as Dysthymic Disorder, and Dysthymia)

Chronic depression is a constant depressed state that lasts for at least 2 years. Usually this type is less severe than major depression. It includes two or more of the following symptoms:

• decrease or increase in eating
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• insomnia or hypersomnia
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• low energy/fatigue
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• low self-esteem
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• difficulty concentrating or making decisions
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• hopelessness

Manic Depression (Bipolar Disorder)

This kind of depression is known for its extreme mood swings. People with bipolar go through periods of mania and periods of depression. Mania episodes last for at least a week and are described as some or all of these behaviors: excessive energy and self-esteem, needing less sleep, being unusually talkative, having racing thoughts, easily distracted, wanting to achieve too many goals, and excessive potentially risky pleasurable activities. In a minute, mania can turn to deep, deep depression. Frequency of these mood swings varies. There may even be times of normal behavior in between changes.

Treatment

Doctors think the first solution to depression is medication. Though antidepressants have proved to lessen symptoms they also come with their own list of side effects. I find it funny--and scary--when I watch commercials for medication that treat depression. After the actor gets across, “Hey I’m doing great after I started taking this pill!” a monotone, fast-talking voice says, “Side effects may include: depression...” An antidepressant that might cause depression! I must say I’m skeptical of of any medication with such a long list of side effects being worth it. Does the benefits outweigh the risks?

I would recommend that unless a person is having suicidal thoughts, take antidepressants as a last resort. Many depression symptoms have decreased or been eliminated by a change in diet that is healthier and includes foods that boosts happy feelings. Being fit and exercising also elevates a person’s mood. And finally, good things come to those who seek knowledge and understanding of the Lord and His works. God loves the people he created and wants to carry their burdens.