Depression

Problems and misfortunes are a part of life. Everyone experiences unhappiness, and many people may become depressed temporarily when things don't go as they would like. Experiences of failure commonly result in temporary feelings of worthlessness and self-blame, while personal losses cause feelings of sadness, disappointment and emptiness. Such feelings are normal, and they usually pass after a short time. This is not the case with depressive illness.

What are the Signs of Depressive Illness?

Depression becomes an illness, or clinical depression, when the feelings described below are severe, last for several weeks, and begin to interfere with your work and social life. Depressive illness can change the way you think and behave, and how your body functions. Some of the signs to look for are:

• feeling worthless, helpless or hopeless,
• sleeping more or less than usual,
• eating more or less than usual,
• having difficulty concentrating or making decisions,
• loss of interest in taking part in activities,
• decreased sex drive,
• avoiding other people,
• overwhelming feelings of sadness or grief,
• feeling unreasonably guilty,
• loss of energy, feeling very tired,
• thoughts of death or suicide.

What Causes Depression?

There is no single cause of depression. The following factors may make some people more prone than others to react to a loss or failure with a clinical depression:

• specific, distressing life events such as the loss of a loved one or an ideal,
• a biochemical imbalance in the brain,
• psychological factors, like a negative or pessimistic view of life.

There may also be a genetic link since people with a family history of depression are more likely to experience it.

The depressed feelings we all experience after a serious loss or disappointment may last for a short or a long period of time. How long depends on the person, the severity of the loss, and the support available to help the person to cope with it.

Clinical depression may also last for short or long time periods. It rarely becomes permanent unless prior episodes are inadequately treated. Without professional treatment, clinical depression may end naturally after several weeks or months. With treatment, it may end much more quickly, and prevent increased frequency and severity of future episodes.

How is Depression Treated?

Depression is among the most treatable of all emotional illnesses. Most people who suffer from depression are significantly helped by the treatment they get, which usually includes medication and/or psychological counseling. Support from family, friends and self-help groups can also make a big difference.

Many people who are seriously depressed wait too long to seek treatment or they may not seek treatment at all. They may not realize that they have a treatable illness, or they may be concerned about getting help because of the negative attitudes held by society towards this type of illness. Untreated depression over the longer term can result in permanent chemical and structural changes in the brain, so it is important to seek prompt treatment and maintain the treatment over the time prescribed.

At Potomac Psychiatry our psychiatrists and therapists specialize in treating depression. Call us at 301.984.9791 to discuss your needs or to schedule an appointment.