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The Widespread Effects of Depression
by Mary Sullivan
Depression is one of
the leading causes of disability worldwide. That's the word from NIH's
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), the component of the
federal government that studies depression and other mental illnesses.
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probably know depression as a medical condition that primarily
affects the brain. Its symptoms include a persistent sad, anxious
or "empty" mood, feelings of hopelessness, pessimism and
worthlessness, and a loss of interest in hobbies and activities
once enjoyed. The "Symptoms of Depression" side box contains a
more complete description.
But according to Dr.
Husseini Manji, chief of NIMH's Laboratory of Pathophysiology, the
psychological symptoms of depression are just the "tip of the
iceberg." Because the brain is the body's "control center," the
effects of depression spread throughout the body, often resulting
in problems with sleep, appetite, energy level, motivation,
memory, and concentration. Performing everyday activities can be
an enormous challenge for people who are depressed.
A Devastating
Illness
"Depression needs
to be recognized as a devastating illness," Dr. Manji explains.
"It can occur with other diseases, but it is a very real medical
condition in its own right."
Research shows that depression increases the risk of death for
people of all ages. For those with other illnesses such as type 2
diabetes and certain infections, depression can make their
symptoms worse. Elderly people with depression may be at higher
risk for Alzheimer's disease, and depression may increase their
chance of being admitted into a nursing home. |
Where to Get Help
Symptoms of depression vary from person to person and vary over time. Not
everyone who is depressed has every symptom. Some people have a
few, and some have many.
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Persistent sad, anxious or "empty" mood
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Feelings of hopelessness, pessimism
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Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, helplessness
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Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities that were
once enjoyed, including sex
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Decreased energy, fatigue
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Difficulty concentrating, remembering and making decisions
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Insomnia, early-morning awakening, or oversleeping
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Appetite and/or weight loss or overeating and weight gain
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Thoughts of death or suicide, suicide attempts
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Restlessness, irritability
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Persistent physical symptoms that do not respond to treatment,
such as headaches, digestive disorders, and chronic pain
Source: National Institute of Mental
Health
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No one knows better the
ravages of depression than the estimated 20 million Americans of every
age who suffer from depression. Although women and older people seem
to have higher rates of depression, depression can strike anyone at
any time. Those who have recently experienced a traumatic event, such
as a divorce, job loss or sudden death of a loved one, may be at
higher risk.
More Than Stressed Out
Dr. Manji emphasizes
that depression is not a
character flaw, a lack of willpower or a sign of emotional weakness.
"You can't simply wish or will depression away," he says.
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People who are
"stressed out" may think that their current situation is to blame, but
a prolonged case of the blues that interferes with normal functioning
is usually the result of a chemical imbalance in the brain," he
explains.
That's why treatment is
so important — and the sooner the better. There are a variety of
treatments that work, including medications and psychotherapy. NIMH
researchers and others are constantly looking at new ways to treat and
prevent depression.
If you think you may be
depressed, seek professional help (see "Where to Get Help") and learn
ways to cope to help you feel better (see "Tips for Coping With
Depression"). Don't let depression keep you down.
For more information
on
depression, see NIMH's
booklet on depression.
Other NIH online
depression publications
are available or you can
phone, fax or send e-mail to:
National Institute
of Mental Health
Information Resources and Inquiries Branch
6001 Executive Boulevard, Room 8184, MSC 9663
Bethesda, MD 20892-9663
Telephone: 301-443-4513
Fax: 301-443-4279
TTY: 301-443-8431
E-mail:
nimhinfo@nih.gov
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Where to Get Help
- Family doctors
- Mental health specialists, such as psychiatrists,
psychologists, social workers, or mental health counselors
- Health maintenance organizations
- Community mental health centers
- Hospital psychiatry departments and outpatient clinics
- University - or medical school - affiliated programs
- State hospital outpatient clinics
Family service, social agencies, or clergy
- Private clinics and facilities
- Employee assistance programs
- Local medical and/or psychiatric societies
Source: National Institutes of Mental Health
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A Word to the Wise...
Tips for Coping With Depression
- Depression can make you feel exhausted, worthless, helpless, and
hopeless. Negative thoughts and feelings can make some people feel
like giving up. It is important to realize that these negative views
are part of the depression and typically do not reflect the actual
circumstances. Negative thinking begins to fade as treatment takes
effect. In the meantime:
- Break large tasks into small ones, set some priorities, and do
what you can.
- Try to be with other people and confide in someone; it is
usually better than being alone.
- Participate in activities that make you feel better. Mild
exercise, going to a movie, a ball game, or participating in
religious, social, or other activities may help.
- Expect your mood to improve gradually. Feeling better takes
time. People rarely "snap out of" depression, but they can feel a
little better day-to-day.
- Postpone important decisions until the depression has lifted.
Before deciding to make a significant decision, such as changing
jobs, getting married or divorced, discuss it with others who know
you well and have a more objective view of your situation.
- Remember, as your depression responds to treatment, positive
thinking will replace the negative thinking that is part of the
depression.
- Let your family and friends help you.
Source: National Institutes of Mental Health
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