Depression: Frequently Asked Questions
By Gary G. Gintner, PhD
How common is depression?
One in five Americans will have an episode of depression some time in their lifetime. Untreated, about half of these individuals will have recurrent bouts throughout their lives.
What's the difference between depression and the ups and downs of everyday life?
Depression is characterized by feelings that are more intense, last longer, and can interfere with functioning at work and with other people. Everyone has felt down for hours or even days, but depression is more severe, lasting from weeks to months. Classic symptoms include sad mood, loss of interest in formerly enjoyable activities, concentration problems, feelings of worthlessness, sleep problems, appetite loss or gain, fatigue, and thoughts about hurting oneself. These symptoms frequently interfere with work performance, family relationships, and interactions with others. You don't have to have all of these symptoms, but if you have a number of theme that have lasted longer than two weeks, you should consider being evaluated for depression by a mental health professional.
What causes depression?
Risk of depression is usually due to the interaction of a person's vulnerability to depression and the environmental circumstances that can serve as a triggering event. Factors that have been shown to put a person at greater risk include a family history of depression, a thinking style that tends to be negative and pessimistic, substance use, and a lifestyle in which a person engages in few pleasant activities. A number of environmental stressors have the potential for triggering depression, like the loss of a loved one, being diagnosed with a serious illness, family problems, conflict with significant others, work stress, and major life transitions such as divorce and retirement.
What treatment is available for depression?
Depression is very treatable. The The most common treatment options are counseling or antidepressant medication. Counseling has been shown to be effective for most forms of depression and even to prevent the occurrence of future depressive episodes. Antidepressant medications are also effective, but are indicated more for those with more serious depression or for those with bothersome simptoms like sleep problems, fatigue, or loss of appetite. In some cases, counseling and medication are used in combination to obtain optimal results. Overall, about 70 percent of those receiving one of these treatments will report marked improvement.
What should I do if I think I have depression?
The first step is to contact a mental health professional for an evaluation that typically takes only one meeting. Licensed professional counselors, board-certified social workers, psychologists, and psychiatrists are all authorized to perform an assessment. You can also go to your family physician as a first step. If you think that you or a loved one has depression, contact a mental professional.
-- Elizabeth MacGregor is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) for the Montville Counseling Center and is an active member of the AMHCA.
Article referenced from the American Mental Health Counselors Association (AMHCA).
