Ending the Sadness

By Suzanne Lavelle

State of Mind

Depression has become a hot topic. Whether in the media or around the water cooler; it seems that most everyone has either battled some form of depression or knows someone who has. While everyone feels sad from time to time, clinical depression is a disorder that goes beyond “the blues.”

Some forms of depression are: Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), which involves at least two weeks of constant and intense depressive symptoms.  Dysthymic Disorder, a disorder that is often described as less severe sadness that is prolonged for at least two years.  Other forms of depression include Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) a form of depression that follows seasonal patterns (worsening in the fall and winter with improvement in the spring); and Post Partum Depression which can occur after giving birth.. 

Despite these different types of depression, many of the symptoms are the same; while sad moods are often associated with depression some other symptoms many not immediately bring a mood disorder to mind.  For example, significant weight loss or weight gain can occur.  In addition, something as simple as a change in the way a person moves can be an indicator of depression.  For instance, a person may become unusually agitated or noticeably sluggish when they move about.  Another less known sign of depression is a disruption in a person’s ability to think which may be confused with indecisiveness or an inability to pay attention to one’s environment. 

Generally, factors which are beyond an individual’s control lead to depression.  It is believed that people can have a biological predisposition to depression related to genetics and hormonal levels.  However, life situations and stressful events have been shown to be causal factors. 

While depression is a serious disorder, there is hope for those afflicted.  Many effective treatments have been developed and are widely available from professionals in your community.  Talk therapies specifically designed for depression target the ways of thinking that can contribute to sadness. Nevertheless, widely tested anti-depressant drugs are also available.  Most professionals agree that a combination of both treatments provide the best success, and the sooner the treatment is started the better.  Conversely, even those who have suffered from depression for many years can be helped with professional care.

Do you:

1. Have a sad mood for most of the day almost every day?
2. Have trouble getting happiness out of pleasurable activities or lost interest in things you used to like to do?
3. Have trouble sleeping or sleep too much?
4. Get very agitated or slowed down throughout the day?
5. Have a troubling lack of energy?
6. Lose or gain significant weight without trying to do so?
7. Feel worthless or excessively guilty?
8. Have trouble concentrating?
9. Have thoughts of death or suicide?

If you or someone you know has experienced any of these symptoms, you may have depression and you should seek help from a professional in your community.