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INFOBITS
20.9 million American adults age 18 years and older in a given year are affected by a depressive illness18
About 18.8 million adults are affected by clinical depression, also known as major depression.19 Though major depression can occur at any age, the first episode is usually in the 20’s. Women are about twice as likely to develop major depression as men.20 Although the reasons behind this are still unclear, this may be due to hormonal changes women experience during menstruation, pregnancy, after childbirth and menopause.
Major depression is a common mental health illness that is very treatable. More than 80% of those who seek treatment demonstrate improvement.21
More than 2 million American adults are affected by bipolar. Onset is typically in the early 20’s but symptoms can appear in early childhood or even late in life.22 |
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Major Depression
Listed under mood disorders, major depression is one of the most severe types of depression. Also known as major depressive disorder, clinical depression or unipolar depression, it interferes with normal activities such as working, studying, eating, sleeping, playing and other activities previously considered as pleasurable. Major depression includes the following symptoms:
- Persistent sad, anxious or “empty” mood
- Sleeping too much or too little, insomnia, middle of the night or early morning waking
- Reduced appetite or weight loss, or increased appetite or weight gain
- Loss of interest or pleasure in activities that were once enjoyed, including sex
- Difficulty concentrating, remembering or making decisions
- Decreased energy, fatigued
- Feelings of worthlessness, guilt, helplessness
- Feelings of hopelessness
- Agitation, restlessness, irritability
- Persistent physical symptoms that do not respond to treatment, such as headaches, digestive disorders and chronic pain
- Thoughts of death, dying or suicide – with or without a plan, suicide attempts
In many cases of major depression, the symptoms impair the social, occupational, and personal functioning of the individual.
Major depression is diagnosed if the person experiences 5 or more of the above symptoms, and they last most of the day, almost everyday for at least 2 weeks.
The number of symptoms experienced and the severity of each will vary with individuals and varies over time.
A debilitating depression can occur only once but more commonly recurs several times during the course of life. If left untreated, depression can worsen and last for years. It can cause needless suffering, and can even lead to suicide.
Depression is often accompanied by substance abuse and addiction. These serious mental health illnesses must also be included in the treatment plan.
"I’ve been feeling empty for the past 5 weeks. I think my mom worries that I’m sleeping 16 hours a day. She asks my friends if I’m taking drugs…I’m not. I just feel tired all the time. Come to think of it, I like sleeping. At least I don’t feel sad when I sleep. I used to be an A student but I can’t concentrate on schoolwork anymore. I guess I don’t care. Even my friends bug me about not going out with them for our Saturday dates in the mall. I don’t want to go window shopping for clothes especially after gaining 15 pounds. I don’t know, I guess life just sucks. Sometimes, I think it’s better off without me."
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The most important thing to keep in mind is that you are not alone.
Getting treatment for mental health issues is a team effort. In most cases, depression can be successfully treated with medication and certain kinds of psychotherapy. By working with your doctor and / or therapist, you can take control to find the approach that is the most appropriate for your needs. There are many avenues for treatment so if one does not work, you can try other methods. So do not lose hope.
Get help today, for tomorrow enjoy better living and brighter horizons.
Taking Medications
Here are a few things to remember if you are taking medications for your depression.
• If you are just starting to take medication, remember that they usually take effect 4 to 8 weeks to become fully effective. So be patient and don’t be discouraged.
• Work with your doctor for the right dosage and medication for your depression. If one medication does not work, you can try others. Don’t give up and continue to work with your doctor.
• Ask your doctor what the side effects are of the medication you are taking.
• There are medications that need to be tapered off so do not stop taking your medication abruptly. Ask your doctor how and when you will stop taking your medication.
• Medications need to be taken regularly for the depression symptoms to be managed.
Although medications will not cure depression, they will help you manage the symptoms so you can lead a normal and productive life. Studies have shown that both medications and psychotherapy can successfully treat depression.
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