Depression or Case of the Blues: Knowing Difference is Key
It's a new year and a new you. Resolutions, commitments to lose weight, save money and regenerate can be exhausting and overwhelming. An outline with a plan of attack is a must or goals can be unreachable or hard to achieve. No wonder so many Americans suffer from symptoms of depression after the holidays.
Although the word "depression" is used in conversation as a synonym for having "a case of the blues," real depression is, in fact, very serious.
"It's not all in your head," said Maria Narvasa, MD, a psychiatrist with Psychiatric Associates, Beaver Dam. "Research indicates that many kinds of depression are caused by an imbalance of certain chemicals in the brain. Depression is one of the most common and most treatable of diseases." Symptoms of depressive disorders vary from person to person, but can include:
- persistent sadness or emptiness
- feelings of despair, worthlessness or hopelessness
- inability to enjoy everyday activities, even ones that used to bring pleasure
- chronic insomnia, tiredness or oversleeping
- thoughts of death or suicide
- difficulty concentrating or remembering things
Symptoms of depression can begin at any age. Depression can also strike anyone, although some people may be more genetically at risk of depressive disorders. Depression also affects women more than men. Sometimes depression is triggered by a specific event – the culmination of holidays, the loss of a loved one or a job, concerns about money.
"Events affect others in many ways," said Dr. Narvasa. "Something that seems normal for one individual can be catastrophic for another."
In addition, there are different types of depression:
Clinical depression is a medical illness and affects close to 10 million American adults in a given year.
Major depression, if persistent, can seriously disrupt a person's thoughts, behavior and mood. It can also cause physical health issues. Major depression can stem from an imbalance in brain chemicals called neurotransmitters, including norepinephrine, serotonin and dopamine.
After the birth of a baby, a woman's mood changes can range from transient "baby blues" immediately following childbirth to an episode of major depression to severe, incapacitating, psychotic depression. Symptoms of what is commonly called the "baby blues" usually start three to four days after delivery, and include mood swings, crying spells and difficulties concentrating. The symptoms usually go away within 10 days of delivery. If the symptoms last or become increasingly severe, however, it's called postpartum depression and medical help may be needed.
Another stage of life that can bring on depression occurs as we get older. Seniors may find themselves experiencing the symptoms of depression as they face changes in their lives and surroundings.
Depression can also be seasonal in nature, occurring during the winter months when there is less exposure to light. In addition to the common symptoms of depression, there may also be oversleeping, carbohydrate craving and weight gain. When depression alone is the main concern, treatment options depend on the severity of the depression.
"In milder cases of depression, lifestyle changes, such as getting more exercise, can be helpful. If symptoms persist, however, behavioral therapy may be needed," explained Dr. Narvasa. "If medication is used, it's most effective when combined with therapy so that the medication can help provide symptom relief, and psychotherapy can help the patient learn more effective ways to deal with life's concerns," explained Dr. Narvasa.
Once diagnosed, 80 percent of clinically depressed individuals can be effectively treated. The thing to remember is that in many cases of depression, it's "not possible to just "snap out of it." That's why it's important to view depression as a real disorder and talk with a healthcare provider about getting proper medical help if you're concerned about depression in yourself or in someone you care for.
For more information or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Narvasa, call Psychiatric Associates, 200 Front Street, Beaver Dam, at (920) 885-2780.
