You Can Be Happy Again.

It’s normal to be sad from to time to time, but if you feel unmotivated or hopeless, are experiencing sleep deprivation or changes in appetite, or are having recurrent thoughts of death, you may be developing some form of depression. If so, you are not alone; nearly 18 million American adults suffer from a depressive illness.
Depression can devastate all areas of your everyday life, including work, school, family relationships and friendships. You may experience a loss of interest in the activities you once enjoyed like going out to dinner, playing with your children or participating in extracurricular activities. When you are depressed, even basic daily activities seem bothersome or too hard.

The physiological and psychological effects of depression are caused by the way the brain processes certain chemicals. Some types of depression, such as bipolar disorder, tend to run in families. However, having a family member with a severe form of depression does not necessarily mean you will develop it as well. On the other hand, depression can and does strike those in families with no previous history of it.
A variety of outside factors, including a major illness or loss of a loved one, difficult relationships or living situations, financial pressures, or job stress can trigger depression. Attitudinal proclivities such as low self esteem, chronic pessimism and anxiety also can contribute to depression. Depression can even result from poor diet, food allergies, insomnia, or lack of exercise.

Many people cannot accept that they may suffer from depression. Most try to shake off the symptoms and tend to not seek treatment because they are ashamed. Denial only makes depression worse. Take one small step to be happy again: Seek treatment before depression really hurts you and your family.

Common types of depression

Major depression can dramatically disrupt your ability to work, eat, sleep, study and maintain healthy relationships. People who are severally depressed tend to not want to participate in the pleasurable activities they once enjoyed.

Dysthymia is a non-disabling, chronic depression that keeps one from functioning well or from feeling good. It has many of the same symptoms as major depression, but may not be as severe.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a depressive mood disorder that scientists have determined is related to seasonal variations of light and is most prevalent in the winter months. Those with SAD often benefit from increased exposure to artificial light or sunlight.

Bipolar Disorder is also known as manic-depressive illness and is not as common as other forms of depression. It is characterized by either dramatic or gradually cycling mood changes. Those with bipolar disorder experience severe highs (mania) and lows (depression). While in the depressed phase, one can have any or all of the symptoms of major depression. The manic phase affects judgment, rational thinking, and acceptable social behavior.

Postpartum Depression is thought to be triggered by hormonal shifts and/or lifestyle changes, and can occur at any time after giving birth. While some level of tiredness, trouble concentrating, and anxiety is to be expected after giving birth, postpartum depression lasts longer than two weeks and has some or most of the symptoms of major depression.

Signs and symptoms of clinical depression

• Loss of energy and fatigue
• Change in sleep patterns
• Feeling of hopelessness and unworthiness
• Difficulty concentrating
• Suicidal thoughts
• Weight loss or weight gain
• Overwhelming feeling of sadness and grief
• Increased irritability and anger
• Withdrawal from family and friends

What you can do right now

Get Help:
Your first step should be to see your primary care physician for a depression screening test and to rule out other possible physical problems. Your doctor will ask you a series of questions designed to assess if you are clinically depressed. If it is determined that you do have clinical depression, your doctor will prescribe anti-depressant medication. You also should ask your doctor for a referral or authorization to see a licensed therapist. According to recent studies, a combination of therapy and medication is the most effective way to combat depression.

Keep Trying:
Sometimes, you’ll have to try two or three medications--and perhaps see more than one therapist--over a period of several months to find the combination that will work best for you. The important thing is that you keep trying.

Take Care of Yourself:
It’s essential to eat a healthy, balanced diet and get regular exercise and sufficient sleep. Excessive consumption of sugar, caffeine, alcohol and tobacco all impact your brain’s ability to work properly. It’s also important to take care of your emotional and spiritual well-being. Learn to identify and properly express your feelings so that you don’t become emotionally overwhelmed. Friends and family can provide a helpful support system.

Develop a Purpose:
Cultivate positive values and formulate a purpose in life that will guide you in making decisions and provide you with a sense of direction. Having attainable goals and knowing what steps to take to achieve them will enable you to see your life as having meaning.

Articles: [PDF Files]

Postpartum Depression: Don’t Dismiss Anxiety
Home Matters: Not So Happy Holidays

Helpful resources:

National Institute of Health: Depression
http://www.nimh.nih.gov/healthinformation/depressionmenu.cfm

California Department of Mental Health
www.dmh.cahwnet.gov

Depression Hotline
(630) 482-9696
www.spsfv.org

Partial Content Credit:
M.K.Doc Downing, Ph.D., MSW, LMFT