Coping with Adult Depression
Sadness or downswings in mood are normal reactions to life’s struggles, setbacks, and disappointments. Many people use the word “depression” to explain these kinds of feelings, but depression is much more than just sadness. But when such feelings last for more than two weeks and when the feelings interfere with daily activities such as taking care of family, spending time with friends, or going to work or school, it’s likely a major depressive episode.
Approximately 14.8 million American adults suffer from depression, according to the National Institutes of Health. Sometimes the condition is temporary. The mother of a newborn, for example, may have short-term post-partum depression. However, depression can be severe and persistent. In some cases it can be as fatal as suicide. Depression takes a toll on the person who’s depressed as well as those around him/her. Luckily, a loved one can emerge from depression, as long as the right steps are taken and treatment is sought.
Understanding the signs, symptoms, causes, and treatment of depression is the first step to overcoming the problem.
When these symptoms are overwhelming and disabling, that’s when it’s time to seek help.
Signs and symptoms of depression include:
- Feelings of helplessness and hopelessness. A bleak outlook—nothing will ever get better and there’s nothing you can do to improve your situation.
- Loss of interest in daily activities. No interest in former hobbies, pastimes, social activities, or sex. You’ve lost your ability to feel joy and pleasure.
- Appetite or weight changes. Significant weight loss or weight gain—a change of more than 5% of body weight in a month.
- Sleep changes. Either insomnia, especially waking in the early hours of the morning, or oversleeping (also known as hypersomnia).
- Anger or irritability. Feeling agitated, restless, or even violent. Your tolerance level is low, your temper short, and everything and everyone gets on your nerves.
- Loss of energy. Feeling fatigued, sluggish, and physically drained. Your whole body may feel heavy, and even small tasks are exhausting or take longer to complete.
- Self-loathing. Strong feelings of worthlessness or guilt. You harshly criticize yourself for perceived faults and mistakes.
- Reckless behavior. You engage in escapist behavior such as substance abuse, compulsive gambling, reckless driving, or dangerous sports.
- Concentration problems. Trouble focusing, making decisions, or remembering things.
- Unexplained aches and pains. An increase in physical complaints such as headaches, back pain, aching muscles, and stomach pain.
Depression comes in many shapes and forms. The different types of depression have unique symptoms, causes, and effects. Knowing what type of depression you have can help you manage your symptoms and get the most effective treatment.
- Major depression
- Persistent depressive disorder, or PDD (formerly called dysthymia)
- Bipolar Disorder
- Seasonal affective disorder (SAD)
People with untreated depression have a lower quality of life, a higher risk of suicide, and worse physical prognoses if they have any medical conditions besides depression. In fact, people with depression are almost twice as likely to die as people without the condition.
TREATMENT
If you are diagnosed with depression, your healthcare provider will tell you what type of depression you have, and what treatments might work for you. Often treatment involves a combination of psychotherapy and antidepressant medications. Treatment of depression is discussed separately.
Support from family and friends is important to the recovery process, but it is not the cure. Getting better takes hard work, mostly from the person with the disorder, and patience from everyone involved.
With appropriate treatment from a mental health professional, a person can overcome an anxiety disorder and depression, which leads to a better quality of life for everyone.