Hope for Depression in Adults Health Article

You haven't felt like yourself for a while, but you can't put your finger on what's wrong. And, it just doesn't seem worth the effort to find out. You've lost interest in activities that you used to enjoy, and your situation seems hopeless. What’s going on?

If this scenario seems familiar, you may be depressed. In any given year, almost 10 million Americans are affected by depression, according to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). But, there is hope. Treatment can help you feel better.

Know the symptoms

Learning more about this illness will allow you to understand what your symptoms may mean and make it easier for you to seek help.

Depression alters the way you think and feel. It also affects your body. If any of these symptoms last two weeks or more, they may indicate depression:

• Persistent sadness, anxiety, irritability, or pessimism

• Feeling guilty, worthless, hopeless, or helpless

• Markedly decreased interest or pleasure in activities you once enjoyed, including sex, spending time with friends and family, hobbies, or work

• Fatigue or loss of energy

• Agitation, restlessness, or slowed movement

• Significant changes in sleep patterns or appetite

• Trouble thinking, concentrating, or making decisions

• Recurring thoughts of death or suicide

• Physical health concerns such as headaches, other pain, or digestive problems that don't improve with standard treatment

"It's important for people to recognize that feeling sad, discouraged, or worried are not the only signs of depression," says Jerrold Rosenbaum, M.D., a Boston psychiatric expert. "Physical symptoms, such as changes in sleep or appetite, may be more apparent."

Men, in particular, are more likely to report feeling irritable, angry, and tired, as well as discouraged. "If you're having trouble functioning, are consumed by negative feelings, or have thoughts of dying, seek help without delay," says Dr. Rosenbaum.

Possible causes

There is no single reason that people become depressed. Brain chemistry, genetics, current circumstances, and past experience can all be involved.

If someone in your family has had a depression, you may be more likely to develop it, too. Sometimes hormonal changes, substance abuse or a traumatic life event, such as the death of a loved one, can trigger the condition.

Did you know that up to 65 percent of people who have had a heart attack also become depressed? Other serious or chronic illnesses, such as diabetes and cancer, can lead to depression, too, especially if you're not doing well or don't have enough support. And, if you're caring for someone with a chronic condition, the strain may take a toll on your emotional health.

The road to recovery

When you're depressed, it may seem like no one can help. Actually, the great majority of people with severe depression can recover over time with treatment. Counseling, medication or both may aid recovery, depending on the characteristics and severity of your depression.

Psychotherapy :Talking with a mental health professional may help you work through negative thoughts, feelings and relationship difficulties. For mild to moderate depression, therapy alone may be enough..

Medication. Antidepressants regulate neurotransmitters. Several types of drugs are available, and your health care provider will decide which one is appropriate for you based on your symptoms. In most cases, if medication is used, it needs to be taken for several months or longer; your provider will advise you.

Close monitoring

The Food and Drug Administration emphasizes the need to closely monitor anyone with depression who is taking an antidepressant, especially at the beginning of treatment or when the dose is changed. So, make sure you stay in touch with your provider, and notify him or her if you have increased depression or suicidal thoughts or are havig side effects.  And, if you develop a severe reaction to the medication or any actual urges to suicide, you should do so at once.

If you experience side effects from medication, you may find that they taper off after a period of time. Even if they don't, you should keep taking your medication, but talk with your provider. He or she may be able to change your dosage or prescribe another medication

If one antidepressant doesn't work, other medications often will. For some people, a combination of medicines -- and treatments -- is necessary.