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| Depression |
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Q & A about Depression
- Is
there hope for recovery from depression?
-
I think I am depressed. Where can I get help?
- It
seems that more people are depressed nowadays
than in the past. Is the rate of depression
increasing?
- What
is the difference between grief and depression?
- When
is being depressed a normal reaction and when
is it truly major depression?
- How
do most people react when they are diagnosed
with depression?
- What
can I expect regarding other people's reaction?
1. Is there hope for recovery from depression?
Recovery from depression is a reality
for most people, thanks to the availability of
antidepressant medications and other treatments.
The process of recovery can take time. During
recovery, a combination of psychotherapy ('talking
therapy') and medication is often used. People
with depression can discuss the treatment options
with their doctors, and help decide on the best
options.
2. I think I am depressed. Where can I get help?
Talk to your doctor. He or she will be able to
review the signs and symptoms of depression, as
well as rule out a possible physical cause. If
depression is diagnosed, there are a number of
possible courses. For example, your doctor might
prescribe an antidepressant, refer you to a psychiatrist
for further evaluation and treatment, or recommend
counselling.
3. It seems that more people are depressed nowadays
than in the past. Is the rate of depression increasing?
Depression is common. "Melancholia,"
one of the earliest terms for depression, dates
back to Hippocrates. There has been an increase
in the number of cases of depression reported
and the number of prescriptions for antidepressants.
However, it is unclear whether this has resulted
from a true increase in depression caused by the
stresses of modern life, or from increased awareness
and better treatment.
4. What is the difference between grief and depression?
Grief is a natural reaction to the loss of an
important relationship. At these times, it is
natural to feel sadness or other symptoms which
can also occur in depression, such as a loss of
appetite or disturbed sleep. About 30% of people
who have lost a significant other will continue
to have these symptoms 2 months after the loss,
but they usually lessen within 6 months. In about
15% of cases a grief reaction will develop into
true depression.
People with depression usually experience a sense
of worthlessness, guilt, shame and/or low self-esteem
that is not common in normal grief reactions.
5. When is being depressed a normal reaction and
when is it truly major depression?
We all have days when we feel "depressed".
Usually, these feelings are temporary and we can
have a great day tomorrow. Yet, even when we have
a bad day, we can still find enjoyment in things.
Sometimes, sad feelings persist for days or even
a week. Experiencing some of the symptoms of depression
is different to having major depression which
requires the presence of a number of the symptoms
that interfere with daily functioning every day
- or nearly every day - for at least 2 weeks.
Even if you do not have major depression, you
may have a milder form of depression or an adjustment
disorder that would benefit from professional
help. A trained professional can differentiate
between a period of "the blues" and
major depression.
6. How do most people react when they are diagnosed
with depression?
For some people, having a definite diagnosis is
a relief. "At last, I know what I have,"
is their reaction. For others, the diagnosis comes
as a shock, as many people feel some shame at
having a mental illness. Both reactions are quite
normal. Even when a diagnosis of depression is
made and accepted, there may be concerns about
the exact meaning of the disorder - for example
its course and outcome, worries about work, effects
on the family, and frustrations about the physical
and emotional limitations of the illness. It is
not unusual for these concerns to be expressed
as anger, frustration or sadness. It is important
to know that depression is treatable and the outcome
is usually very good. Whatever your reaction,
remember that you are not alone and that depression
is a common and very treatable problem.
7. What can I expect regarding other people's
reaction?
Family members and friends might unconsciously
expect more from the depressed person than he
or she is capable of achieving. A person suffering
from tiredness and weakness - two symptoms of
depression that can occur without obvious signs
of physical disability - may look fine. Others
may view the symptoms of depression as character
flaws. Tiredness, for example, is often interpreted
as laziness or a lack of initiative, and a low
mood is sometimes seen as self-pity. These reactions
can lead people with depression to doubt their
own self-worth. It is important to discuss this
issue with your doctor and identify ways of handling
this. Your doctor may suggest ways that you can
help others understand your condition and the
good prospects for recovery.
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