Archive for the ‘Understanding Depression’ Category

Men and Depression

Tuesday, December 30th, 2008

Researchers estimate that at least six million men in the United States suffer from a depressive disorder every year. Research and clinical evidence reveal that while both women and men can develop the standard symptoms of depression, they often experience depression differently and may have different ways of coping with ...

Co-Occurrence of Depression with Other Illnesses

Sunday, December 21st, 2008

Depression can coexist with other illnesses. In such cases, it is important that the depression and each co-occurring illness be appropriately diagnosed and treated. Research has shown that anxiety disorders­which include post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), obsessive compulsive disorder, panic disorder, social phobia, and generalized anxiety disorder­commonly accompany depression. Depression is ...

Symptoms of Depression and Mania

Friday, December 12th, 2008

Not everyone who is depressed or manic experiences every symptom. Some people experience only a few; some people suffer many. The severity of symptoms varies among individuals and also over time. Depression Persistent sad, anxious, or “empty” mood. Feelings of hopelessness or pessimism. Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness. Loss of interest or pleasure in ...

The Art of Avoiding Depression

Monday, August 25th, 2008

In every way, depression is a growing problem. Rates of depression have steadily climbed over the last 50 years and are significantly higher in those born after 1945 than in those born before. In addition, the average age of onset of a first depressive episode is steadily decreasing—it is now ...

Insomnia and Depression

Monday, August 18th, 2008

Sleep disturbances and unipolar depression are such intransigent bedfellows that troubled sleep is considered a hallmark of the mood disorder. At least 80% of depressed people experience insomnia—difficulty falling asleep or, most often, staying asleep. Indeed, early morning awakening is a virtual giveaway of depression. Another 15% of the depressed ...

Anxiety and Depression Together

Tuesday, August 12th, 2008

Are you anxious or are you depressed? In the world of mental health care, where exact diagnosis dictates treatment, anxiety and depression are regarded as two distinct disorders. But in the world of real people, many suffer from both conditions. In fact, most mood disorders present as a combination of ...

Postpartum Depression

Wednesday, July 23rd, 2008

What is postpartum depression? Postpartum depression is a serious illness that can occur in the first few months after childbirth. It also can happen after miscarriage and stillbirth. Postpartum depression can make you feel very sad, hopeless, and worthless. You may have trouble caring for and bonding with your baby. Postpartum depression is ...

Supporting someone who has depression

Monday, July 7th, 2008

If someone you care about has been diagnosed with depression, you may feel helpless. Maybe you're watching a once-vibrant person slide into inactivity or seeing a good friend lose interest in activities that he or she used to enjoy. The change in your loved one's ...

What Increases Your Risk

Thursday, July 3rd, 2008

Several factors increase your risk for depression. Your risk of developing depression is up to three times greater than that of the general population if you have a father, mother, or sibling with depression. If you have had depression before, you are much more likely ...

Male depression

Monday, June 30th, 2008

Are you irritable, isolated and withdrawn? Do you find yourself working all the time, drinking too much alcohol, using street drugs or seeking thrills from risky activities? If so, perhaps you're being chased by what Winston Churchill called his "black dog" — male depression. Churchill attempted to ward off his black ...