Depression
Clinical depression is more than just the "blues". If a "down" mood lasts for more than a couple of weeks, it may well be clinical depression.
Symptoms of depression include:
How common is depression?
Depression is said to affect 10 million Americans each year. It affects people of all ages. One eight of all men and a quarter of women experience depression at some point in their lives. At any time, six percent of adults are depressed. In addition, six to seven percent of teenagers and two percent of children are depressed at any time.
Is all clinical depression the same?
Some people experience only one episode of depression, while others may experience several. For some, a depressive episode begins for no apparent reason, while for others the onset of a depressive episode is associated with a life situation or stresses. Some persons are bi-polar. That is, their mood cycles between extremes of depression and heightened activity.
What about treatment?
Eighty to ninety percent of people suffering from depression can be helped. The most common and effective treatments are psychological therapy and medication, which is also usually combined with psychotherapy.
Where can I get help?
Professionals experienced in the treatment of depression can be located in the yellow pages under psychologists, psychiatrists, and social workers, and mental health centers. State and local psychological and medical associations can also provide names of professionals experienced in the treatment of depression.
Symptoms of depression include:
- loss of interest or pleasure in usual activitie
- feeling sad, blue, down in the dumps, or low
- sleep problems, either difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much
- low energy level or chronic tension
- feelings of inadequacy or low self-esteem
- decreased effectiveness at work, school, or home
- social withdrawal
- irritability or excessive anger
- pessimism about the future
- tearfulness or crying
- recurrent thoughts of death or suicide
How common is depression?
Depression is said to affect 10 million Americans each year. It affects people of all ages. One eight of all men and a quarter of women experience depression at some point in their lives. At any time, six percent of adults are depressed. In addition, six to seven percent of teenagers and two percent of children are depressed at any time.
Is all clinical depression the same?
Some people experience only one episode of depression, while others may experience several. For some, a depressive episode begins for no apparent reason, while for others the onset of a depressive episode is associated with a life situation or stresses. Some persons are bi-polar. That is, their mood cycles between extremes of depression and heightened activity.
What about treatment?
Eighty to ninety percent of people suffering from depression can be helped. The most common and effective treatments are psychological therapy and medication, which is also usually combined with psychotherapy.
Where can I get help?
Professionals experienced in the treatment of depression can be located in the yellow pages under psychologists, psychiatrists, and social workers, and mental health centers. State and local psychological and medical associations can also provide names of professionals experienced in the treatment of depression.