Depression is one of the most common mental disorders affecting over 340 million people in the world today. No one is immune from depression- it occurs in people of all social classes, all countries and all cultural settings. As many as one in four women and one in ten men can expect to develop depression during their lifetime.

Depression is an illness that affects your entire body, moods, and thoughts. It affects the way you eat and sleep, feel about yourself and the way you think. Although similar, it is much more than the passing blue moods one experiences. It is not a sign of personal weakness or a condition that can be willed or wished away. People with a depressive illness cannot merely pull themselves together and get better. Without treatment, symptoms can last for weeks, months or years. Appropriate treatment can help most people. 

Some Symptoms of Depression May Include:

• Lowered Mood

• Loss of Energy and Interest

• A Feeling of Physical Illness or of Being Run Down

• Poor Concentration

• Altered Appetite and Sleep

• A Slowing Down of Physical and Mental Functions

In addition, many physical problems such as heartburn, indigestion, constipation, headaches or altered periods occur. Usually the relentless feelings of hopelessness, helplessness, guilt and anxiety that also accompany depression are the most difficult to cope with.

The exact cause of depression remains unclear. The most plausible explanation is an imbalance in certain chemicals in the brain. This would explain why depression often runs in families. Some studies have shown that people who have relatives with depression have a one in four chance of developing it themselves, compared with only one in 14 for the general population.

In most cases, however, just having these genes is probably not enough to cause depression on its own. Stressful situations can cause the disease of depression to surface. Depression can be triggered by a number of factors such as unemployment, bereavement, social isolation or even a severe physical illness.

Untreated, an episode of depression lasts an average of ten months. Treatment is not just important to resolve the individual episode, but also to prevent future episodes. Many people who have suffered one episode of depression suffer repeated episodes. The risk of recurrences increases with the number and severity of previous episodes.

There are three approaches to treatment: the use of psychological therapies, the use of antidepressant drugs and a combination of both. The choice of right treatment depends on a variety of factors, such as severity of illness, type of symptoms, age, etc.

The very nature of depression can interfere with a person’s ability to get help. Depression saps energy and self-esteem and makes a person feel tired, worthless, helpless and hopeless. Seriously depressed people need encouragement from family and friends to seek treatment and begin to heal.

Some people need even more help, becoming so debilitated by the disease that they must be taken for treatment. Don’t ignore suicidal thoughts, words or acts. Seek professional help immediately.

 If you or someone you know is experiencing signs of depression, don’t hesitate in seeking help. Our staff at Mountain View Hospital is experienced in helping men, women and children obtain treatment that is appropriate for their situation. You can call our Careline 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 1-800-662-1002 to schedule an assessment for yourself or someone close to you. 

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