Depression is a mental health illness that causes people to be very sad and hopeless for a long period of time, usually lasting longer than two weeks.
What are the symptoms, or warning signs, of depression?
The warning signs of depression are different from normal feelings of sadness or having low energy. The symptoms of depression usually last for two weeks or longer and include:
- Being sad all the time
- Feeling hopeless
- Feeling guilty, worthless, or helpless
- Loss of interest in hobbies you once liked
- Decreased energy
- Difficulty in concentrating
- Difficulty sleeping
- Low appetite
- Thoughts of death or suicideCheck out the Network of Care Interactive Quiz: Are You Depressed?
How does depression start?
Depression can sometimes run in families, which means that if one of your parents were depressed, then you could be at a higher risk for depression. Major tragic events in your life could also cause depression, like the loss of a loved one. Also, the abuse of alcohol, drugs, or certain medications could make you feel depressed.
How is depression different for men and women?
Women are diagnosed with depression about twice as often as men. This could be due to a variety of hormonal factors that can affect the way women feel during times of your menstrual cycle, pregnancy, miscarriage (or an unintentional loss of an unborn fetus), pre-menopause or menopause.
Post-partum depression is caused after the birth of a baby. There are many physical, emotional, and life-style changes that occur after a new addition to the family and many women can have depression. According to the National Women’s Health Information Center, approximately 13% of new mothers can have post-partum depression.
There are about 3-4 million men in America that are affected by depression. Recent research has shown that men are less likely to be diagnosed because their doctor’s are less likely to suspect depression in men, they often work very long hours, and abuse more alcohol or drugs that can mask the symptoms of depression. Often, men need more encouragement to seek treatment than women.
Can depression be cured?
More than 80% of people with depression can improve when they receive the appropriate care. There are two main types of treatment, which include:
- Therapy – Talking to a therapist, psychologist, social worker, etc. can help you work through this difficult time
- Medication – There are many medications that can be prescribed which can help relieve some of the symptoms
Depression and the Military
According to Hooah4Health, depressive symptoms occur in almost 19% of service members, compared to only 10% of the general population. The rates are higher for those that have been in combat situations. Untreated depression is the leading cause of suicide in the military. Check out our suicide information page for more information.
Links for General Information about Depression
National Women’s Health Information Center – Depression Before and After Pregnancy
New York State – Office of Mental Health: Depression
National Institute of Mental Health – Depression
Depression & Bipolar Support Alliance
Links for Information about Depression and the Military
Courage to Care Fact Sheet: What Military Families Should Know about Depression
Courage to Care Fact Sheet: Depression in Primary Care: A Military Health Perspective
Source: Depression. New York State Office of Mental Health. July 2007.