Recognizing Depression’s Warning Signs
By Garrett Coan
Depression is a serious illness, not a harmless part of life. It is a
complex disorder with a variety of causes. It is never caused by just one
thing. It may be the result of a mix of factors, including genetic,
chemical, physical, and sociological. It is also influenced by behavior
patterns learned in the family and by cognitive distortions.
Depression affects millions of people in this country. It is always
troubling, and for some people it can be disabling. Depression is more than
just sadness or “the blues.” It can have an impact on nearly every aspect of
a person’s life. People who suffer from depression may experience despair
and worthlessness, and this can have an enormous impact on both personal and
professional relationships. In this newsletter, I will describe many of the
factors that may cause depression, and I will explore strategies for
preventing it.
Depression Is Pervasive
When a person suffers from depression, it can affect every part of his or
her life, including one’s physical body, one’s behavior, thought processes,
mood, ability to relate to others, and general lifestyle.
Symptoms of Depression
People who are diagnosed with clinical depression have a combination of
symptoms from the following list:
• Feelings of hopelessness, even when there is reason to be hopeful
• Fatigue or low energy
• Much less interest or pleasure in most regular activities
• Low self-esteem
• Feeling worthless
• Excessive or inappropriate guilt
• Lessened ability to think or concentrate
• Indecisiveness
• Thinking distorted thoughts; having an unrealistic view of life
• Weight loss or gain without dieting
• Change in appetite
• Change in sleeping patterns
• Recurrent thoughts of death
• Suicidal thoughts
• A specific plan for committing suicide
• A suicide attempt
• Feelings of restlessness or being slowed down
When a person is suffering from depression, these symptoms cause
significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other
important areas of functioning. This means that the person’s family and
social relationships, as well as work life, are impaired. When a person is
suffering from depression, symptoms such as these are not the result of a
chronic psychotic disorder, substance abuse, general medical condition, or
bereavement.
Grief, Sadness, and Depression
Depression may include feelings of sadness, but it is not the same as
sadness. Depression lasts much longer than sadness. While depression
involves a loss of self-esteem, grief, disappointment and sadness do not.
People who are depressed function less productively. People who are sad or
disappointed continue to function.
Depression and Socioeconomic Factors
Depression does not seem to be related to ethnicity, education, income,
or marital status. It strikes slightly more women than men. Some researchers
believe that depression strikes more often in women who have a history of
emotional and sexual abuse, economic deprivation, or are dependent on
others. There seems to be a genetic link; depression is more common among
parents, children, and siblings of people who are diagnosed with depression.
The average age at the onset of a depressive episode is the mid-20s. People
born more recently are being diagnosed at a younger age.
Physical Causes
Many physicians believe that depression results from a chemical imbalance
in the brain. They often prescribe antidepressant medication, and many
people find relief as a result. However, there is no reliable test to
identify such a chemical imbalance. It is unknown whether life experiences
cause mood changes, which create changes in brain chemistry, or whether it
works in reverse.
Depression may be associated with physical events such as other diseases,
physical trauma, and hormonal changes. A person who is depressed should
always have a physical examination as part of the assessment process to
determine the role of physical causes.
Signs That Professional Treatment Is Needed
If you or someone you know is depressed and exhibits any of the following
signs, it is extremely important to seek the assistance of a medical or
mental health professional.
1. Thinking about death or suicide. This is always dangerous and you
should see a professional therapist immediately.
2. When symptoms of depression continue for a long time, you may need
professional help. Acute responses to events are normal, but they should not
last beyond a reasonable time.
3. Your ability to function is impaired by your depression. Seek help
before your life situation deteriorates to a serious level.
4. You have become so isolated that you have no one with whom to check
reality. Seek out someone to share your thoughts and feelings with.
5. Depressive symptoms have become severe.
Garrett Coan is a professional therapist,coach and psychotherapist. His
two Northern New Jersey office locations are accessible to individuals who
reside in Bergen County, Essex County, Passaic County, Rockland County, and
Manhattan. He offers online and telephone coaching and counseling services
for those who live at a distance. He can be accessed through
http://www.creativecounselors.com or 201-303-4303.
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