Depression

What Is Depression?

Depression (also known as clinical depression or major depressive disorder) is more than just sadness. It is a common, yet serious medical illness that can negatively affect the way you think, how you feel, and how you act. For instance, the loss of a job, the ending of a relationship, or the death of a loved one are difficult experiences. It is normal to feel grief or sadness in response to these situations. However, being sad isn’t the same as having depression.

According to the CDC, 8.1% of American adults aged 20 and above have experienced depression, and that women (10.4%) are almost twice as likely as men (5.5%) to have had depression. Furthermore, the World Health Organization states that over 300 million people worldwide have depression and approximately 800,000 people die due to suicide every year. Suicide is the second leading cause of death in 15-29-year-olds.

Symptoms of Depression

To be diagnosed with depression, symptoms must last at least two weeks. Symptoms of depression can range from mild to severe, including:

• Feelings of sadness, helplessness, and hopelessness
• Loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities (i.e. hobbies, social activities)
• Significant weight loss or gain
• Sleep changes (insomnia or hypersomnia)
• Loss of energy
• Feelings of guilt or worthlessness
• Difficulty in making decisions
• Concentration problems
• Headaches, pains, and other aches that won’t go away
• Irritability
• Thoughts of death or suicide

These symptoms must cause significant impairment or distress in a person’s relationships, social activities, or work or school functioning. Symptoms of depression can differ from one person to another. Also, please note that there’s no single cause of depression. It can be the result of one’s circumstances, genetics, brain chemistry, life experiences, hormone, or physical health.

Note: There are different types of depression, including Peripartum Depression (previously postpartum depression), Seasonal Depression (also known as Seasonal Affective Disorder), Persistent Depressive Disorder (previously dysthymia), Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder, Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder, and Bipolar Disorders.

Treatment

Depression is one of the most treatable mental disorders. Before diagnosis and treatment, our health professionals at Cufa Behavioral Health Services, Inc. will conduct a thorough evaluation which may include an interview and possibly a physical exam. This assessment is performed to determine specific symptoms, family and medical history, and environmental factors – all of which will be used to create a specific treatment course that will suit each individual’s unique circumstances and needs. Treatment may include a combination of medications (i.e. Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors, ‘SSRIs’) and psychotherapy.