Lesley Dorfman, PhD
DEPRESSION
DEPRESSION
Depression is a mental health condition that affects any age, gender, race or ethnicity. People experiencing persistent feelings of low mood, loss of interest in activities that perviously were sought out, sadness that continue over a long period of time. Many people experience several combinations of symptoms which can include forgetfulness, feelings of hopelessness as well as a lack of emotions. There are a number of factors that can be associated with depressions such as biological factors, environmental, as well as physiological. Activities such as how you feel, think, handle daily activities such as sleep, eating, work and socializing can be greatly affected. CBT has been shown to be one of the most scientifically based and effective treatments for depression. Often CBT will be utilized in conjunction with pharmacological assistance, as well as Mindfulness, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy.
While people of all ages can experience depression, there may be different symptoms associated with different age groups.
Children can often be anxious, have school refusal, cling to parents, or have worry that of significant family member dying.
Older children/teens often may demonstrate difficulties at school such as getting into trouble. Often may show low self esteem, sulky behavior, and are often irritable. Changes in sleeping and eating are often seen as well.
Co-occurring are other disorders associated with depression such as ADHD, anxiety, eating disorders an/or substance abuse disorder.
Young adults are more likely to complain of weight gain, are irritable, and express a negative view of life and their future. Hypersomnia (sleeping more than expected for this age). Often other disorders such as panic, generalized anxiety disorder, social phobia, panic will co occur with depression.
Middle-aged adults will often have more depressive episodes, co-occurring with sleep issues such as early morning waking, or middle of the night insomnia. Often reported are decreased sexual interest, stomach problems such as constipation or diarrhea. Anxiety as well as somatic issues are often reported with the depression.
Older adults will express sadness, grief or other less obvious symptoms. Often reported are feelings of lack of emotions verses an overtly depressed mood. Depression can often occur with medical conditions such as pain which can cause or contribute to depression.
GREAT QUESTIONS TO ASK SELF OR LOVED ONE IF CONCERNED ABOUT DEPRESSION
If you are experiencing some or many of these questions, it’s a good time to reach out and get help.
Do you often feel sad, anxious, worthless, or even ‘empty’?
No longer interested in activities you used to enjoy?
Are you easily frustrated, irritated, or angered?
Are you isolating, canceling meeting with fiends and or family?
How has your work or school performance, is it dropping?
Are your sleeping and eating habits different?
Are you tired and find you are forgetful, and cant remember things?
Are you having thoughts about harming yourself, or that you can’t see a point to going on?
POSSIBLE REASONS FOR ONSET OF DEPRESSION
- Stressful event
- Family history
- Pregnancy
- After giving birth
- Biological brain chemistry
- Drugs or alcohol
TYPES OF DEPRESSION
Major depression
Persistent depressive disorder (dysthymia or dysthymia disorder)
Season Affective Disorder (SAD)
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder
Depression with Symptoms of Psychosis
Bipolar Disorder
BOOKS
Mind Over Mood: Christine Padesky Ph.D
Cognitive Behavioral Workbook for Depression, William J. Knaus, EdD
RESOURCES
Suicide Prevention Lifeline
(800) 273-8255
The National Alliance on Mental Illness
https://www.nami.org/about-mental-illness/mental-health-conditions/depression/
Information regarding teen Depression
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/teen-depression