Making Healthy Choices

Mental Health

What You Need to Know about Depression

The Problem¹
Depression is a common problem that affects essentially all people to some degree, sometime in their life. It is second only to high blood pressure as the most common chronic health problem encounter- ed in medicine. Estimates are that at least 1 in 10 patients visiting a doctor is suffering from depression. Unfortunately, most cases are unrecognized.¹

If depression becomes severe and sustained, (major depression) it can have a debilitating affect on the whole person. It can disrupt normal life process such as eating, sleeping, activity level, and the ability to concentrate and accomplish tasks. If unrelieved it leads to lost productivity, functional decline, and increased mortality.

In a study by the World Health Organization, depression and other mental health problems was the leading cause of work loss time, world wide. In the U.S., depression is a leading cause of disability, second only to heart disease.  

Causes 
Depression can be caused by a variety of reasons.

• Genetic tendencies
• Hormonal and chemical changes in the body
• Excessive stress, conflict, abuse
• Loss of loved ones, isolation, tragedy
• Illness, pain, neurological problems

Recognizing Depression
The following two questions provide a quick way to screen for the presence of depression.

1. During the past month, have you often been bothered by feeling down, depressed, or hopeless?
   Yes
   No
   

2. During the past month, have you often been bothered by having little interest or pleasure in doing things? 
   Yes
   No

If you answered “No” to both questions, you probably aren’t bothered with depression. 

If you answered “Yes” to either question, take the accompanying “Depression Self Assessment” for
      further insight.

Treatment¹
The good news is that depression is a treatable illness. Unfortunately, many people ignore their symptoms and are hesitant to seek help. If you think you may be suffering from depression see your doctor and he or she will help you find an appropriate treatment. Common treatments include:

• Medications to help correct chemical imbalances in the brain
• Counseling with a trained mental health counselor such as a psychologist or psychiatrist
• Medication plus counseling and support to help the individual deal with life problems, crises, alcohol/drug dependencies, and other problems often associated with depression.

• Self-help books can help persons better understand and incorporate effective mental health elements into their life.
• Support groups and classes lead by qualified leaders in depression management can be very helpful and supportive.
• Identifying exaggerated negative or self critical thoughts and developing more realistic and self accepting attitudes.
• Breaking current life problems into smaller components and identifying specific steps to address them. Get help from supportive family members, pastor, and mental health counselors.
• Regular physical activity, such as walking briskly for 30-45 minutes daily.  Regular physical activity has been shown in many studies to be effective in helping prevent and improve mental depression.
• Schedule relaxing/enjoyable activities daily. Look for ways to bring diversion and healthy pleasures into your life.
• Certain herbal remedies such as Hypericum perforatum (St. John’s wort) appears to be affective with mild depression.

More Information
Depression--Self Test

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(C) 2001 PrevMedix, LLC.  Written by Don Hall, DrPH, CHES  Updated 4-16-01(BLT)