Date: 23-Jul-2020
Category:
How's Your Mental Health?
SPECIAL REPORT
By Diane McReynolds, Executive Editor Emeritus
Pessimism, low self-worth, sadness and a general loss of interest — these are signs you may notice following a significant personal setback or unhappy event. But feeling sad and hopeless month after month is depression — a biological disorder and leading cause of disability affecting every age group and more than 16% of Americans. Without addressing it head on, depression can persist for a long time. But it is very treatable. First comes awareness.
Depression, also known as major depressive disorder or clinical depression, affects the ability to feel, think and handle daily activities.
Classic signs include:
- Feeling hopeless.
- Lack of interest in normal activities.
- Frequent unusual fatigue.
- Oversleeping or insomnia.
- Abusing alcohol or drugs.
- Becoming isolated.
- Thoughts of suicide.
- Recurring headaches or digestive trouble.
- Difficulty with concentration or memory.
- Moving or talking slower so much that others notice.
Depression is an equal-opportunity illness, affecting women, men and adolescents. However, each may experience their symptoms differently. It is often overlooked in men and hard to identify in teens.
For example, men may have feelings of anger and aggression rather than sadness. They are less likely than women to recognize, discuss and seek treatment for depression. Yet depression affects a large number of men, and at any age.
Teen depression rates are rising in the U.S., affecting roughly 20% of adolescents by the time they reach adulthood. Detecting it in adolescents can be difficult because typical teen behavior is marked by frequent mood changes. Common signs: excessive sleeping, chronic irritability, poor eating, intoxication with drugs or alcohol, poor school performance, and self-harming behaviors such as cutting.
If your child has symptoms, why not ask your health care provider about your concern? Is it depression, and can it be treated? Antidepressants can be very effective, usually easing the symptoms within 4 to 8 weeks. Note: Until your body becomes accustomed to the medication, you may have side effects. Seek counseling and consider joining an online or in-person support group.
And what can you do on your own? Treat yourself well:
- Boost energy and well-being through exercise.
- Set goals to build confidence in the future.
- Don’t hesitate to ask family and friends for help.
- Reflect on things for which you’re grateful.
- Spend time with people you like.
- Pursue favorite activities.
- Keep a regular sleep schedule.
- Do helpful things for others.
- Relax, meditate and appreciate nature daily.
FMeX
