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FIND OUT MORE ABOUT DEPRESSION

Q: What is depression?
A: Depression is more than the blues or the blahs; it is more than the normal
everyday ups and downs. When the “down” mood, along with other symptoms, lasts
for more than a couple of weeks, the condition may be clinical depression. Clinical
depression is a serious health problem that affects the total person. In addition to
feelings, it can change behavior, physical health and appearance, academic
performance, and the ability to handle everyday decisions and pressures.

Q: What causes clinical depression?
A: We do not know all the causes of depression, but there seem to be biological and
emotional factors that may increase the likelihood that an individual will develop a
depressive disorder. Research over the past decade strongly suggests a genetic
link to depressive disorders, depression can run in families. Bad life experiences
and certain personality patterns such as difficulty handling stress, low self-esteem,
or extreme pessimism about the future can increase the chances of becoming
depressed.

Q: How common is it?
A: Clinical depression is a lot more common than most people think. It affects 10
million Americans every year. One-fourth of all women and one-eighth of all men will
suffer at least one episode or occurrence of depression during their lifetimes.
Depression affects people of all ages but is less common for teenagers and college
students than for older adults. Approximately 3 to 5 percent of the teen population
experiences clinical depression every year. That means among 100 friends, 4 could
be clinically depressed.

Q: Is it serious?
A: Depression can be very serious. It has been linked to poor school performance,
truancy, alcohol and drug abuse, running away, and feelings of worthlessness and
hopelessness. In the last 25 years, the rate of suicide among teenagers and young
adults has increased dramatically. Suicide often is linked to depression.

Q: Are all depressive disorders alike?
A: There are various forms or types of depression. Some people experience only one
episode of depression in their whole life, but many have several recurrences. Some
depressive episodes begin suddenly for no apparent reason, while others can be
associated with a life situation or stress. Sometimes people who are depressed
cannot perform even the simplest daily activities; others go through the motions, but
it is clear that they are not acting or thinking as usual. Some people suffer from
bipolar depression in which their moods cycle between two extremes - from the
depths of despair to frenzied heights of activity or grandiose ideas about their own
competence.

Q: Can it be treated?
A: Yes, depression is treatable. Between 80 and 90 percent of people with
depression-even the most serious forms - can be helped. Symptoms can be
relieved quickly with psychological therapies, medications, or a combination of both.
The most important step toward treating depression-and sometimes the most
difficult-is asking for help.

Q: Why don’t people get the help they need?
A: Often people don’t know, they are depressed, so they don’t ask for - or get - the
right help. College students and older adults share a problem - they often fail to
recognize the symptoms of depression in themselves or in people they care about.

BE ABLE TO TELL FACT FROM FICTION
Myths about depression often separate people from the effective treatments now
available. Friends need to know the facts. Some of the most common myths are:

Myth: College students don’t suffer from “real” depression.
Fact: Depression can affect people at any age or of any race, ethnic, or economic
group.

Myth: Young people who claim to be depressed are weak and just need to pull
themselves together. There’s nothing anyone else can do to help.
Fact: Depression is not a weakness, but a serious health disorder. Both college
students and older adults who are depressed need professional treatment. A trained
therapist or counselor can help them learn more positive ways to think about
themselves, change behavior, cope with problems, or handle relationships. A
physician can prescribe medications to help relieve the symptoms of depression.
For many people, a combination of psychological therapy and medication is
beneficial.

Myth: Talking about depression only makes it worse.
Fact: Talking through feelings may help a friend recognize the need for professional
help. By showing friendship and concern and giving uncritical support, you can
encourage your friend to talk to his or her parents or another trusted adult, like a
teacher or coach, about getting treatment. If your friend is reluctant to ask for help,
you can talk to a counselor - that’s what a real friend will do.

Myth: People who talk about suicide don’t commit suicide.
Fact: Many people who commit suicide have given warnings to friends and family. A
signal or warning may be a statement such as “I wish I were dead,” “I can’t take it
anymore, I want out,” or “My parents would be better off without me.” Some people
even tell a friend about a plan to kill themselves before they actually do. If a friend
talks like this, take it seriously! Immediately make a university official aware of what
your friend has said.

Myth: Telling someone that a friend might be depressed is betraying a trust. If
someone wants help, he or she will get it.
Fact: Depression, which saps energy and self-esteem, interferes with a person’s
ability or wish to get help. Many people may not understand the seriousness of
depression or of thoughts of death or suicide. It is an act of friendship to share your
concerns with a trusted individual.

KNOW THE SYMPTOMS
The first step toward defeating depression is to define it, but people who are
depressed often have a hard time recognizing their own symptoms. Note the
following symptoms that you’ve noticed in a friend that have persisted more than two
weeks:
Do they express feelings of...

Sadness or emptiness?
Hopelessness, pessimism, or guilt?
Helplessness or worthlessness?

Do they seem...

Unable to make decisions?
Unable to concentrate and remember?
To have lost interest or pleasure in ordinary activities?
To have more problems with school and family?

Do they complain of...

Loss of energy and drive-so they seem “slowed down”?
Trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or getting up?
Appetite problems; are they losing or gaining weight?
Headaches, stomach aches, or backaches?
Chronic aches and pains in joints and muscles?

Has their behavior changed suddenly so that...

They are restless or more irritable?
They want to be alone most of the time?
They’ve started cutting classes or dropped activities?
You think they may be drinking heavily or taking drugs?

Have they talked about...

Death?
Suicide — or have they attempted suicide?

Source: http://www.uwec.edu/Counsel/pubs/beatdepression.htm