WHAT
YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT DEPRESSION
Everyone has ups and downs. But if you
find that you are frequently down or that your feelings of
being down seriously interfere with your usual activities,
depression may be a likely diagnosis. Depression can be
triggered by a major life event, such as the death of a
loved one, separation, divorce, or a health problem (12
percent to 36 percent of patients with medical disorders
develop depression). It also can be caused by an underlying
medical disorder or interactions between various drugs.
Chronic drinking of alcohol, even in moderate amounts, can
cause or worsen depression.
Depression can be mild to severe. Many depressed people
describe their condition as "living in a fog." They have
limited interest in the activities of daily living. If you
suspect that you or a loved one is clinically depressed,
it's best to see your doctor for a professional evaluation.
An estimated 80 percent of depressed individuals can be
treated, with most feeling better within weeks.
More than 18 million people in the United States suffer
from depression. About twice as many women as men suffer
from this medical condition. Major depression is a
whole-body illness that affects a person's body, feelings,
thoughts, and behavior.
Everyone experiences bouts of the blues or periods of
sadness now and then. However, if these feelings last more
than a couple of weeks or interfere with daily life, a
person may be suffering from clinical depression.
Depression involves a set of symptoms that can last for
months and sometimes years. It is not a sign of personal
weakness or a condition that can be willed or wished away.
People with depression cannot merely "pull themselves
together" and get better. Professional treatment is needed.
|
