How Do I Know If I'm Suffering From Depression?

According to the Mayo Clinic, about 12 million adults in the United States suffer from depression in a given year. This mental illness affects all people equally, regardless of economic status, race, gender or age. Depression tends to worsen over time, so early treatment is important.

Symptoms

• There are many symptoms associated with depression. Some people might experience only a few, while others might suffer from many. Common symptoms include feeling you are worthless, hopelessness or sadness, trouble sleeping or sleeping too much, irritability, restlessness, loss of interest in daily activities or hobbies, crying spells, fatigue, generally feeling miserable without being able to pinpoint why, thoughts of suicide, social isolation and anxiety.

  The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders defines several types of depression. Major depression sufferers usually exhibit severe symptoms most of the day for at least two weeks. Dysthymic disorder patients exhibit a depressed mood for at least two years. People with bipolar disorder cycle between mania and depression. Some women experience prepartum depression and/or postpartum depression. Seasonal affective disorder sufferers exhibit depression symptoms during fall or winter months.

Risk Factors

• Certain factors appear to trigger depression. According to the Mayo Clinic, you might be at risk if any relatives have suffered from depression or committed suicide; you have recently given birth; you abuse drugs or alcohol; you have used medications such as sleeping pills, birth control pills or medications for high blood pressure for long periods; you have a serious illness, such as HIV, heart disease or cancer; you have specific personality traits, such as low self-esteem; you have experienced traumatic life events, such as the death of a family member. Women are twice as likely as men to be diagnosed with depression.

When to Get Help

• While is normal to feel down or upset because of financial trouble, the loss of a loved one, trouble in a relationship or problems at work, these feelings usually do not last long and your ability to function should not be affected. If you consistently feel sad for weeks, months or even years, or if your troubles interfere with your daily life, you should seek help. Depression is not something you can "snap out of."

  Don't be afraid to reach out to a family member, friend, counselor, spiritual leader or anyone you trust if you feel depressed, especially if you have thoughts of suicide. There are also many crisis centers and hot lines available to help.

Treatment

• Sometimes depression is a symptom of another condition. Bipolar disorder and seasonal affective disorder are two disorders that may have many of the same symptoms as depression. It is important to be evaluated by a mental health professional so that you get the best treatment possible.

  Typical treatments for depression are antidepressant medications and cognitive therapy or psychotherapy. Many patients respond well to a combination. Doctors might also pursue other forms of treatment, depending on the severity of the depression.

Prognosis

• Depression is the leading cause of suicide, but those who seek help usually recover. Depression can last anywhere from six months to years, so even after improving, you should keep in touch with your doctor and therapist. Maintenance treatment is sometimes necessary to keep depression from returning.