What is it?

Everyone occasionally feels blue or sad, but these feelings are usually fleeting and pass within a couple of days. When a person has a depressive disorder, it interferes with daily life, normal functioning, and causes pain for both the person with the disorder and those who care about him or her. Depression is a common but serious illness, and most who experience it need treatment to get better.

Many people with a depressive illness never seek treatment. But the vast majority, even those with the most severe depression, can get better with treatment. Intensive research into the illness has resulted in the development of medications, psychotherapies, and other methods to treat people with this disabling disorder.

Some of the different forms of depression include:

Clinical or Major Depression – a common, but severe type of depression.

Dysthymia – a milder form of depression that is longer lasting.

Bipolar Disorder - a form of depression that includes periods of depression followed by periods of over-excitement.

Postpartum Depression – a form of depression experienced when a new mother develops a major depressive episode within one month after delivery.

What causes it?

Many factors may contribute to depression, including;

• Gender - Women suffer depression twice as often as men.
•  Family history - When other people in your family have major depression, you have a higher chance of getting depression.
•  Certain medicines - Some prescription or over-the-counter medications can make you depressed.
• Difficult life events such as divorce, retirement or the death of a loved one.
• Presence of other illnesses such as Alzheimer’s, cancer, diabetes, heart disease, hormone disorder, Parkinson’s or a stroke. Also other mental disorders such as an eating disorder or anxiety disorder.
• Abuse of alcohol or drugs - People who have a drug or alcohol problem are more likely to develop major depression.

How does it affect my job?

People with depressive illnesses do not all experience the same symptoms. The severity, frequency and duration of symptoms will vary depending on the individual and his or her particular illness. All of these may interfere with job performance:

• Persistent sad, anxious or “empty” feelings.
• Feelings of hopelessness and/or pessimism.
• Feelings of guilt, worthlessness and/or helplessness.
• Irritability, restlessness.
• Loss of interest in activities or hobbies once pleasurable, including sex.
• Fatigue and decreased energy.
• Difficulty concentrating, remembering details and making decisions.
• Insomnia, early-morning wakefulness, or excessive sleeping.
• Overeating, or appetite loss.
• Thoughts of suicide, suicide attempts.
• Persistent aches or pains, headaches, cramps or digestive problems that do not ease even with treatment.

Can it be prevented or treated?

Yes. The most common ways to treat clinical depression are medication,

psychotherapy, or both. The choice of treatment may depend on:

• How severe the symptoms are
• The history of the illness
• What the person prefers

Some people are afraid to get help for depression. They may worry that people will

see their illness as a sign of weakness. Others believe depression will go away by

itself. Such ideas are simply not true. As with any other serious illness, only a

professional can treat clinical depression. And the earlier treatment begins, the faster

a person begins to feel better. Clinical depression is one of the most treatable

medical illness. More than 8 out of 10 people with depression can be helped.

Medication

The most commonly used medications for depression are called antidepressants. They act on pathways in the brain that are related to your mood. They are not habit-forming.

Medication Tips

• Some people may feel side effects from the medicine. Be sure to tell your doctor how you are feeling.
• Give medicine time to work. Some people find that it takes 3 to 4 weeks before they start to feel better. It can take as long as 6 to 8 weeks for others.
• Your doctor may suggest you take more or less medicine in the beginning until you fine the amount that works for you.
• Most people with clinical depression find they need to take antidepressants for at least 4 to 9 months after their symptoms have improved.

Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy or “talk” therapy, behavioral therapy and interpersonal therapy are three types of therapy that may benefit someone who has clinical depression. People who have mild depression often find it helpful to talk to a mental health professional to learn ways to handle problems.

With severe depression, people tend to do better when they go to therapy and take antidepressants. Talk to your doctor to find the best type of therapy for you. Call your insurance company for names of qualified therapists.

This Information is for educational purposes only; it should not be construed as medical advice. You should not use it for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease. Consult your physician for detailed information about medical conditions as well as information contained here.