I Am Feeling Down-Is this Depression?

When we feel down, we are searching to turn those feelings around.  We scan to see what is causing it such as the most recent fight with our spouse, our teenage child or the overload at work –maybe it is more. It is important to understand what we are treating- is it just a bad day, or is it depression? Depression can sneak up on you or hit you like a ton of bricks and cause you to experience a host of symptoms, including despair.

The Shocking Statistics

Major depressive disorder is one of the most common mental disorders in the United States. Each year, about 6.7% of U.S adults experience major depressive disorder, which is roughly 16,000,000.  Women are 70% more likely to experience depression than men.   The number of people globally who are affected by some form of depression is 350,000,000.  The estimated annual cost of depression in the U.S. due to lost productivity and health care is $80,000,000,000.  50% of Americans with major depression don’t seek treatment, even when, on average, it is 10-20 sessions of therapy for depression.  Therapy works, and these statistics show the urgency to get the treatment you need.

Most experts agree that depression rates in the United States and worldwide are increasing. Studies show that rates of depression for Americans have risen dramatically in the past 50 years.

Signs and symptoms include:

• Persistent sad, anxious, or “empty” feelings
• Feelings of hopelessness or pessimism
• Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness
• Irritability, restlessness
• Loss of interest in activities or hobbies once pleasurable, including sex
• Fatigue and decreased energy
• Difficulty concentrating, remembering details, and making decisions
• Insomnia, early-morning wakefulness, or excessive sleeping
• Overeating, or appetite loss
• Thoughts of suicide, suicide attempts
• Aches or pain, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems that do not ease even with treatment.

Online Screening Tool

www.dbsalliance.org. Go to education and then click the screening center.  You will find assessments for depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder.

If you are or someone you love is suicidal, call the suicide crisis line at 1-800-273-TALK or go to the nearest emergency room.

If you are down or suffering from depression, be one of the 50% of people who do seek help and obtain resolution.  Please call Terri at 913-239-8255

Next month I will write about relationships, including marriage and divorce, and depression.