Depression

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Everyone feels deep sadness from time to time - in response to a death in the family, for example, or an inexplicable tragedy, or losing a job. This is a common and normal reaction to a life situation, and is called reactive depression. With the passage of time, the depression lifts, the mood lightens, and life goes on. Clinical depression, on the other hand, is persistent depression that is out of proportion to a person's life situation or, in many cases, occurs for no apparent reason.

A person who is depressed is under enormous emotional stress. He or she may experience extreme feelings of sadness, dejection, despair, worthlessness, hopelessness, and emptiness. Early signs of depression include a lack of motivation and an inability to concentrate. A person who is entering a depressed state may exhibit mood swings and may even have crying fits for no obvious reason. If the episode continues, symptoms can include loss of appetite, erratic sleeping patterns, and a complete loss of interest in normal daily activities, even ones that were previously a source of great pleasure. A seriously depressed person may become completely withdrawn from life and eventually may even refuse - or be unable - to get out of bed. Severely depressed people often have feelings of completely worthlessness and/or guilt over some imagined situation. Thoughts of death and suicide may be uppermost in their minds.

Depression is the most common of the serious psychiatric illness. An estimated 10 to 15 percent of all people suffer an episode of depression at some time in their lives. Most often, it is relatively mild and short-lived. More women than men are diagnosed with depression. About one in six women will seek help for depression at some time in their lives, while only one in nine men will do so. However, this disparity may reflect the fact that, in general, women are more willing than men to admit to feelings of hopelessness and depression.

The incidence of depression increases with age. This may be because older people living on their own may be socially isolated and often worry over becoming a burden to their families. In addition, they have often lost many friends and loved ones to death, and may require multiple medications for different medical conditions (many medications can affect mood). Add to this increasing physical frailty and slowing mental faculties, and the scene is set for a depressive episode.

There is no single cause of depression. Many cases appear to be linked to abnormalities in brain chemistry. For example, it has been determined that persons at high risk of suicide have lower than normal levels of serotonin, a neurotransmitter in the brain that controls inhibitions and is closely related to mood. People with reduced levels of serotonin are therefore more likely to act on feeling such as a desire to take their own life. Conversely, increasing the level of serotonin in the brain improves mood in many cases.

Some cases of depression can be traced to inadequate nutrition. Deficiencies of certain vitamins, for example, can result in symptoms of mental and emotional disorders. Food allergies can also result in a depressed state. Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) can cause mood swings, irrational behavior, and may set the scene for episodes of depression. One type of depression, known as seasonal affective disorder (SAD), appears to be related to insufficient exposure to sunlight. When days are short and skies are gray and overcast, exposure to sunlight is reduced or nonexistent. This causes the retina of the eye to fail to send proper messages to the hypothalamus, which is responsible for transmitting signals that maintain the body in its properly regulated state. The end result may be a form of depression. SAD most often affects those living in northern climes during the cold months of the year.

Postpartum depression (PPD, also called the "baby blues"), is a type of depression that many women experience after the birth of a child. It is caused by an imbalance in hormones that often occurs after delivery. This situation is usually short-lived; new mothers tend to regain their equilibrium as their hormones stabilize. Holiday depression is a common phenomenon suffered by many people. Many people who tend to make everything "perfect" and when they cannot, they end up feeling sad and depressed.

Some women who take oral contraceptives, which affect the body's hormonal balance, fall into a depressed state without knowing why. Over time, hormone deficiencies and imbalance can lead to some forms of depression. A dysfunctional thyroid gland is also a possible source of trouble, as is heavy metal poisoning. Virtually any chronic illness can be accompanied be depression as well.

Manic-depressive disorder (medically termed bipolar mood disorder) is a variant of depression in which periods of deep depression alternate with periods of irrational elation and hyperactivity.

General recommendations for depression
See your physician to rule out any underlying problem that could be causing a depressed state.

Exercise. Regular physical activity eases depression, reduces nervous tension and feeling of anxiety, and is an aid restful sleep. Studies have shown that exercise is a fast-acting mood elevator that increases feelings of well-being.

Insomnia often accompanies depression. If insomnia is a problem, try taking hot baths. Soaking in a tub of hot (102F) water two hours before going to bed can help you to fall asleep faster, sleep more soundly, and awaken more refreshed in the morning. You should allow two hours to pass between the hot bath and retiring, however, for this to be effective.

Preventive measures for depression
If possible, make sure your hands and face get adequate exposure to sunlight, at least thirty minutes a day.

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