Depression is a Disease, Serious and Treatable

By: Peggy Cunningham, MA, NCC, LPC

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 1 in 10 adult in the United States suffers from Depression.  In the state of Missouri it is estimated that between 9.2% and 10.3% of the adult population suffers from depression.  This means that everyday in our workplaces, at the grocery store, in our neighborhood, or places of worship we see the face of depression.  Sometimes it is the elderly grandmother, sometimes it is the urban professional, other times it is the factory work, the medical technician, the high school football player or the third grade student who appears to be a book worm. The faces and lives of those suffering from depression surround us.

 All of us have felt down at times.  We have had life experiences that make us sad and lonely.  Many of us walk through those blue times and continue with the everyday activities of our life finding peace, happiness and fulfillment once again. 

Clinical signs of depression include:  Agitation, irritability, difficulty concentrating, social withdrawal, isolation, fatigue, lack of energy, feeling hopeless and helpless, change of appetite, change of sleep patterns, lost of interest in things that were once fun, and potentially thoughts of suicide or death.

The cause of depression is still under investigation, but it is generally believed to be a related to the balance (or imbalance) of brain chemicals, as well as genetic predispositions (depression often tends to run in families).

There is hope for those suffering from depression.  There are multiple medications that help improve one’s mood.  Talk therapy also can assist those whose depression is related to experiencing difficult life events.  There are support groups such as NAMI – the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill, and DBSA – The Depressive Bipolar Support Alliance.  ECT- electroconvulsive therapy is effective for those who depression has not responded to other interventions. 

Depression is a serious, treatable disease for which there is help.  For anyone needing help, contact a professional for information on what services or treatments may be available.

Helpful resources:

http://www.nami.org/

http://www.dbsalliance.org/site/PageServer?pagename=home

http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/depression/index.shtml

http://www.aacap.org/cs/Depression.ResourceCenter