Common Questions About Depression

What are the symptoms of depression?

Common symptoms of depression include:

• changes in sleep habits (too much sleep or not enough) 
• eating habits
• irritability
• fatigue
• loss of interest in activities once enjoyed
• difficulty concentrating
• loss of energy
• persistent symptoms that don't respond to treatment (i.e., headaches, digestive problems)
• inability to perform daily tasks at home and at work
• thoughts of suicide

What's the difference between the "blues" and depression?

Most people feel "blue" or sad from time to time due to life circumstances and situations. They may feel less energetic, but they continue to function at or close to normal. These feelings usually dissipate within a few days and one's mood returns to normal. Clinical depression is different in that symptoms persist for days, weeks and even months. 

Is depression common?

Yes. It is estimated by the National Institute of Mental Health that 18.8 million American adults struggle with depression each year.

Are there different types of depression?

Yes, there are different types of depressive illness. Major depression is characterized by persistence of the symptoms listed above. Individuals with major depression have trouble functioning at work, at school and in their personal lives. While an episode of major depression may occur only once in a person's life, it will more likely occur several times.

Dysthymia is characterized by chronic symptoms that don't disable an individual, but do keep him or her from functioning or feeling well.

Bipolar Disorder, also called manic depressive disorder, is not nearly as prevalent as other forms of depression. This illness is characterized by cycling mood swings, from severe highs (mania) to severe lows (depression). Mood swings most often happen gradually, but can also occur rapidly. In manic cycles, individuals can experience high energy levels, and they can be over-talkative. These symptoms can seriously affect one's thinking, judgment, social behavior and decision-making. In depression cycles, individuals experience many of the symptoms listed above.

What causes depression?

Depression can run in families, suggesting a biological predisposition to the illness; however, many people experience depression in the absence of any family history. Research indicates that depression involves changes in brain structure and functioning. Illness and stress also appear to contribute to the onset of depression. Substance abuse or dependence can also precipitate a depressive episode.

Can depression be treated?

The good news is that treatment for depression--even in its most serious forms--is extremely effective. Pharmaceutical advancements have produced medications that help hundreds of thousands of people feel relief from their symptoms. In most cases, talk therapy is combined with medication, which has proved to be a very effective treatment strategy. It's important, however, to seek treatment as soon as possible. 

Where can I find help?

Help for depression is just a phone call away. If you've had consistent symptoms every day for more than two weeks and your daily functioning is impaired, you should call your doctor. Primary care physicians can refer you to a mental health professional who can put you on a treatment course. While primary care doctors can prescribe anti-depressant medications, the depression is ideally treated by a psychiatric specialist. Health insurance companies can also refer their members to in-network mental health professionals who accept their insurance. If you're experiencing serious suicidal thoughts, seek immediate emergency care.

For more information about depression, visit the National Institute of Mental Health website at: http://www.nimh.nih.gov.