Depression
Depression can spring from many places, but no matter the source, the effects are profound.
Depression drains your energy, diminishes your interest in everyday activities, and if serious
enough, leads to thoughts of despair or even suicide. Life seems bleak, useless and unworthy
of engaging in when you’re overcome by depression. Perhaps you’ve experienced these feelings
of dejection and hopelessness. Not only can you no longer see the light at the end of the
tunnel - you don’t believe the tunnel ever ends. If you find yourself weary of walking in
darkness, the encouragement we offer can help you take the first steps back toward a manageable,
fulfilling life.
What most people associate with depression is a feeling of gloom or sadness,
but there is a much more important set of symptoms to keep in mind: depression is
usually accompanied by a 'slowing down' of the body. A profound lethargy or fatigue
is probably a more important signal that you have succumbed to depression than whether or
not you feel profoundly sad. The more pronounced the fatigue, the more serious is your
depression.
What are the more common symptoms of a major depression? Usually, it is diagnosed when
at least five of the following symptoms are present during the same time period, with at
least one of the first two symptoms present. In addition, the symptoms must be present
most of the day, nearly daily, for at least two weeks:
- Depressed mood
- A marked diminished interest or pleasure in almost all activities
- Significant weight loss/gain
- Insomnia or hypersomnia (over-sleeping)
- Agitation or retardation of thinking, memory, etc.
- Fatigue or loss of energy
- Impaired concentration and indecisiveness, or
- Recurring thoughts of death or suicide
Reactive depressions can have some or all of the above, but they are usually not as
debilitating. Most people with reactive depression can continue their normal work and home
duties. With the more serious endogenous depressions, people can become totally incapable
of fulfilling normal life responsibilities.
Primary care physicians need to be alert for the signs of depression. Studies have shown
that 6 to 8 percent of all outpatients in primary care settings have major depressive
disorder. Often, their physical complaints are a mask for the depression.
Physical complaints that mask depression
If you find yourself experiencing any of the following, you may want to ask whether you
are depressed:
Pain — including headaches, body aches and abdominal pain
Low energy and excessive tiredness (including claims of being “chronically fatigued”)
Reduced capacity for pleasure or enjoyment
Moods such as apathy, irritability, anxiety or sadness
Sexual complaints or problems with sexual functioning or desire
Lesser forms of depression may produce some or many of these symptoms, or the symptoms
may not be as persistent. Discuss this with your doctor to see if you are possibly
suffering from a 'low grade' form of depression.
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