Depression
Depression is a feeling – an unpleasant, distressing feeling. Everyone feels “blue” once in a while. Normal depression comes and goes. However, in 5% - 10% of people with depression, the depression is so intense and lasts so long that they have serious difficulties functioning.
Depression has many different symptoms. Some of the more common include:
- Feeling sad or blue
- Loss if interest in things that were once enjoyable
- Loss of appetite and weight (or weight gain)
- Difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much
- Feeling tired or restless
- Body slowing down
- Feeling worthless or guilty
- Trouble concentrating, thinking, remembering, or making decisions
- Thoughts of death or suicide
The cause of depression may be complex. There is often both a psychological and a biological component. Psychological depression is often caused by life stress. Depression is often the response to loss. It could be the loss of a loved one, physical health, financial security, or self esteem. The cause of depression can also come from within. When people bottle up emotions instead of talking about them they can become depressed. Depression can also be caused by a biological component such as a deficiency of brain chemicals called neurotransmitters (these tend to run in families and have a genetic component).
Depression can also generate fears, doubts, and a sense of alienation from God. Some may feel that if they have a strong faith in God, they should be able to handle anything.
Depressed people may overlook that salvation is based on the atoning work of Christ and not on how they think or feel.
Depression is very treatable, and the treatment should involve biological, psychological, and spiritual elements. The treatment may focus in one area or a blend of all three areas.
Remember that the person who is depressed may not have the energy to seek treatment on their own. They may need someone who loves them help them seek treatment.
People of all ages can suffer from depression. This includes children also. Today’s children experience more pressure than ever before. Therefore, it is important to understand the warning signs of depression in all age groups. The very young child may have physical complaints with no known causes, be withdrawn, or be very irritable. In middle childhood they may exhibit poor attention in school, low energy, or poor appetite. In late childhood they may abuse drugs or alcohol, fail to establish peer relationships, or violate family rules. In adolescence they may have sleep difficulties, be tearful, irritable or withdrawn, and have suicidal thoughts. Depression is the most common health problem that older adults experience. Suicidal rates are highest among people 65 and older.
What can I do if I know of someone in my family who is depressed? Offer them a loving and caring environment. Learn about depression and its effects to help you understand what is happening and how to cope. Be aware of what is going on. Focus on improved listening, work together to solve problems, and spend more time together. Seek professional help.
What should I not do?
- Do not exclude the depressed person
- Do not criticize or blame the person who is depressed
- Do not be afraid to ask questions
- Do not do everything for the depressed person (having some responsibility can improve self-esteem)
- Do not expect the person to just snap out of it
- Do not make any major life decisions if at all possible
- Do not try to fix all bad habits during recovery
This article only briefly touches on the subject of depression. If you suspect that someone you know or love may be suffering from depression, please seek professional help. The holidays can be very stressful causing an increase in the incidence of depression. With the right treatment and support, those who are depressed can smile again.
Sources: Today – Depression: More Than a Feeling, published by Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services
Family – Understanding Depression and Its Impact on Relationships, published by Wyeth-Ayerst Laboratories
