By Elyse Allen M.F.T.
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, 19 million Americans suffer the effects of depression. A recent study conducted by the World Health Organization and the World Bank found that depression is the leading cause of disability in the United States. There is no doubt that depression is on the rise. The good news is that the condition known as major depression is highly treatable.
This article briefly describes several forms of depression, causes, associated features and treatment. It's my hope that the following information will be of help to you or someone that you care about who is struggling with the symptoms of depression. Armed with accurate information, professional help and the will to step out of the shadows, you can successfully deal with depression.
What Is Depression?
Depression is a condition, specifically, a disease of the brain. Brain imaging technologies reveal that neurocircuits responsible for the regulation of moods, thinking, sleep, appetite and behavior fail to function properly. Critical neurotransmitters or chemicals used by nerve cells to communicate are out of balance. The chemical imbalance in the brain can result in the symptoms of depression.
Genetics research indicates that vulnerability to depression results from the influence of multiple genes acting together with environmental factors. Clearly, there is no single factor that causes clinical depression. Brain chemistry, genetics and environment all determine one's predisposition to the condition. The symptoms of depression are:
The symptoms of depression interfere with social, occupational and academic functioning and greatly diminish the quality of one's life. Suicide, attempted or completed, is commonly associated with the presence of depression. Thoughts of death or suicide are beyond the depressed person's conscious control and should be taken seriously. If suicide is imminent, psychiatric hospitalization is necessary.
Keep in mind that children and teens can suffer the effects of major depression. However, in children, depression often manifests as irritability or "moodiness" as opposed to sadness and frequent crying.
Unlike the normal fluctuation in mood states, depression is extreme and persistent. The passing experience of sadness, grief and loss are, in fact, transient. While, depression is on going.
Another important characteristic is that major depression is episodic and is likely to frequently reoccur throughout one's lifetime. The condition is a serious and potentially fatal one (e.g. suicide) that doesn't just improve on it's own. Major depression and other forms of the condition require immediate treatment.
Anti-Depressant Medication & Other Treatments
Anti-depressant medication, in many cases, can be highly effective in helping to restore balance to the upset in brain chemistry. It is important to point out that anti-depressant medication can provide much-needed symptom. relief but not a cure for depression.
There are many anti-depressants available and new ones continue to be developed, as researchers uncover more about the role that neurotransmitters play in the disease.
Upon being diagnosed with major depression, most people want to learn as much as possible about the options available for treatment. However, anyone who struggles with the symptoms of depression can attest to how difficult it can be to accomplish the simple tasks of daily living--not to mention trying to maintain enough energy and focus to participate in counseling and psychotherapy. Often, anti-depressant medications allow enough symptom relief to permit constructive participation in therapy and related appointments.
You should know that there are some herbs that many people believe act as natural anti-depressants. Currently, there is a great deal of controversy surrounding this matter and I strongly recommend that you consult your doctor who can evaluate you for the appropriateness of medication. An expert herbalist, experienced in working with depressed clients, can also be of help to you. The majority of my clients opt for a team approach with all professionals on the case working together to coordinate various aspects of our mutual client's treatment. Always sign an authorization permitting the release of specific information and communication between professionals, in order to protect your right to confidentiality.
If you're considering anti-depressant medication, keep in mind that anti-depressants stabilize mood as opposed to creating a "high". Anti-depressants are not uppers and are not addictive in the common meaning of the term. You should always follow your doctor's instructions, while taking any type medication and keep your doctor and psychotherapist informed of any negative side effects. Although your counselor or psychotherapist may not be a medical professional, they can and should assist in keeping the prescribing physician abreast of how the medication appears to be working for you.
Finally, don't underestimate the impact that quality nutrition and physical exercise can have on the way you feel. Nutrients have a significant impact on the chemistry of the body and physical exercise can stimulate chemicals in your body that help maintain a sense of well-being. Check out your favorite bookstore and the Internet for the full scoop on nutrition and exercise.
The Next Step
If you think that you or someone that you care about may be struggling with the symptoms of depression, seek professional help immediately. You can start with your primary care physician, if you already have one. Let your doctor know of your symptoms and that you think you could be dealing with depression. Don't hesitate to ask for a medication evaluation, if you believe that an anti-depressant could be of help to you. However, don't stop there.
Your doctor will probably refer you to a licensed therapist or counselor. If, for some reason, your doctor doesn't recommend a therapist, ask for one or locate one by contacting your insurance carrier. If you prefer to see a female (or male) therapist, it's okay to request this. However, the important thing is that whomever you see is trained and experienced in treating depression and has an available appointment slot right away.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy which focuses on the role of your thoughts in creating feeling states and behavior has been found to be highly effective in the treatment of depression. You can ask your therapist if he or she uses a cognitive-behavioral approach in treating conditions such as depression.
Contact Elyse Allen at (916) 349-8783 for consultation services or more information about dealing with depression.
5777 Madison Ave. Ste. #1110
Sacramento, CA 95841
Telephone: (916) 349-8783
Fax: (916) 349-8788