"Why can't you just snap out of it?"

As a society we are taught that if something is out of balance physically then we need treatment to correct it, however, we forget that our minds are one of the most important tools we have and that if we are mentally ill this too deserves treatment. As a mental illness, depression does not get the attention it deserves. In all reality it is a serious medical illness resulting from a chemical imbalance in the brain and life circumstances. People who are diagnosed with depression need treatment just like any other medical condition. I hope to educate people about the different types of depression and their symptoms as well as bring some understanding to those who may have depression but don't know why they can't "just snap out of it".

It's a SAD Time of Year

Winter Blues getting you down?  It seems at times that winter will never end and we will continue on this cycle of sleeping longer, eating more, and being lazier because during winter months long days and cold temperatures don't exactly motivate us to do anything besides try to keep warm.  However, for those with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) a more serious reaction can occur which can affect daily routines.  

SAD is a form of depression which is brought on at the change of the seasons every year.  Most experience this change when summer turns to fall and winter, but some can experience the opposite.  Symptoms of SAD in fall/winter months include depression, anxiety, hopelessness, loss of energy, social withdrawal, oversleeping, and weight gain.  With the spring/summer months the symptoms include anxiety, insomnia, irritability, weight loss, poor appetite, and increased sex drive.  The main cause of SAD is unknown however, some treatment options include light therapy, medications, and psychotherapy.

Depression is Not Just for Adults

Depression not only affects adults but children and adolescents as well.  Children and teens may experience different symptoms than adults but children who are under stress, who experience loss, or who have attentional, learning, conduct or anxiety disorders are at a higher risk for depression. Depression also tends to run in families.  If your child or teen exhibits one or more of these symptoms parents should seek help:

• Frequent sadness, tearfulness, crying
• Decreased interest in activities; or inability to enjoy previously favorite activities
• Hopelessness
• Persistent boredom; low energy
• Social isolation, poor communication
• Low self esteem and guilt
• Extreme sensitivity to rejection or failure
• Increased irritability, anger, or hostility
• Difficulty with relationships
• Frequent complaints of physical illnesses such as headaches and stomachaches
• Frequent absences from school or poor performance in school
• Poor concentration
• A major change in eating and/or sleeping patterns
• Talk of or efforts to run away from home
• Thoughts or expressions of suicide or self destructive behavior

For more information regarding teens/children and depression visit the American Academy of Children and Adolescent Psychiatry or the National Institute of Mental Health.

Why Women More Than Men? Here's Why.

Women are twice as likely to be diagnosed with depression than men. Why? Here are some of the main reasons. Some of the risk factors for depression are overrepresented in women. Women and especially women of color are more likely to have the socioeconomic risk factors which include racial/ethnic discrimination, lower education level, lower income levels, unemployment, poor health, larger family sizes, marital problems, post-traumatic stress disorder, sexual and physical abuse, and single parenthood.  Here is an interesting article about how Stress Triggers Depression in Women, Alcohol Craving in Men as well as an article from abcnews.com giving tips to women dealing with postpartum depression.

Exercise for Your Mind

The most effective treatment for depression is a combination of drugs and psychotherapy. However, regular exercise may be very effective due to the fact that when we exercise serotonin levels in the brain increase leading to an improved mood and feelings of well-being.  Research states that exercising 30 min. three to five days a week can significantly help depression symptoms.  On average, those who have depression exercise only half as much as they should.  A correlation?  I think so.  Mayo Clinic offers some great tips before you begin your exercise regimen and then how to overcome common obstacles so you can stick with it.

Get the Facts

Depression is the most common mental illness.  Aproximately 19 million adults in the U.S. have been diagnosed with it.  It is the leading cause of disability and the cause of approximately 2/3 of suicides each year.  In 1997, only 23% of adults diagnosed with depression received treatment.  The highest rates are among adults and older adults.  Women are prone to have depression two times more than men.  Depression's origins include genetics, neural transmission, lifestyle, environment, dysfunctional thinking, and motivation.  To look at more facts visit WebMD or the National Institutes of Mental Health (NIMH).

Too Much TV?

A new study finds that their may be a correlation between teen television viewing and adult depression. Although researchers could not be sure that it was a direct cause-and-effect relationship, due to so many other factors to consider, theories have arisen that their is a correlation because perhaps the shows or news being viewed are sad stories, violence, or bad news and therefore more exposure to these events may be affecting teens. Another theory is that while teens are viewing upwards of around three or more hours of television a day they are missing out on activities that would be more beneficial to developing their social, intellectual, and physical health. To read more, the study published its findings in the February issue of Archives of General Psychiatry.