Depression: Causes, Effects & Solutions
Depression, which can be caused by many different things, is a major problem facing people of every age today. Many people think that someone who is depressed sits at home alone with a sad face. While in real life depression can be seen all around you at school, workplace, and most any public event. Not everyone suffering can be seen standing out in the crowd, they can come out in public and socialize with a mask of regularity. In the following pages, I intend to show the causes, effects and solutions to depressive disorders. Readers will learn how depression develops in today's society. If successful, I will simplify technical terms into ideas that can be understood by even a novice to the medical profession.
Many different types of depression can be distinguished this day and age, each with its own characteristics. Bi-Polar depression, also known as manic-depression gives 2 million Americans (1 in 5 for a lifetime and 1 in 20 a year) time's of joy in their life with a sense of control, followed by lows with a sense of helplessness. (Nethealth (1998), http://www.depression.com, Epicenter Communications) These north and south poles are characterized as an eternal struggle. Mono-Polar depression similar to Bi-Polar has no high, just lows.
Many effects can occur because of depression, sleeping problem's effect 80%. Sleeping problems can include inability to fall asleep, stay asleep, and the most common, waking up. A lack of sex drive effects 75% and weight gain or weight loss is as common to major depression as it is unhealthy. These are all things that anyone wouldn't want to happen, and yet it happens anyway in an uncontrollable flow. Though a loss or reduction of sex drive could effect a significant other, these are all effects to ones self. Depression also effects friends, family and co-workers. (Nethealth (1998), http://www.depression.com, Epicenter Communications) Someone may see such symptoms as a loss of interest in a person, a place or a thing, a change in attitude, isolation, a loss of dependency or something more discrete, like repetitive loss in concentration, followed by a feeling of worthlessness. A person may not be able to come through to do a simple task because of this, but getting mad at them is not fair, its not their fault, they did not choose depression as an alternative to everyday life.
Depression is well known to be a problem to teenagers, but for different teens there are different reasons for it. For some teens, depression is due to not being able to fit into everyday socializing with classmates and other teens; the teen years can be a difficult phase. With pier pressure, teens can't share feelings with each other and can hold to many emotions with no release valve. This phase can be temperamental and go away once high school is completed, but counseling can help through hard times.
Antidepressants are an effective alternative, they can help between 60 to 80 percent of people that have been recommended for them. Each type however, can have different side effects, some side effects will not matter while others can't be ignored and each person may need his or her own type to fit their needs. Antidepressants are also addictive and users will become dependent on them to function correctly. Changing medications can help to stop an addiction. A "Drug holiday" can slow an addition down as well, this is when you take time away from medication and enjoy life as much as possible without it. If a drug holiday is effective, backing off the need for increasing doses; an addiction. The time of enjoying life without help from medication is also a plus for escaping a depressed state all together.
Zyban (bupropion), also used to help smokers quit, is a newer solution to depression on the market. Like other new antidepressants, its side effects are serious if taken improperly. More study is needed to help prevent giving someone large doses to someone that doesn't need it. Antidepressants became popular when the FDA approved the first SSRI (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) in with the name Prozac. Other SSRI's, Zoloft and Paxil, were approved in 1991 and 1992. SSRI's are very effective but like medication, has side effects, in some causes including nausea, nervousness, insomnia, drowsiness, diarrhea, dry mouth, sweating, indigestion, weakness, constipation, dizziness, and tremor.
Part of the medical profession recommends Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT), also referred to as "Shock therapy." But this type of therapy has been shown as being another version of the electric chair in movies (ex. One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest) causing fear towards that alternative. ECT, when used properly can have amazing long-term results.
Cognitive therapy (learning about) and psychotherapy (Counseling between a psychotherapist and a patient) are alternatives other than antidepressants. Exercise can help a depressed person, it helps normalize the chemical imbalances in the brain that may be related to depression itself. (Weston, Laurie, M.D. (1995) Http://www.nau.edu/~fronske/depression/ Health Education Office, Fronske Health Center, Northern Arizona University) Relaxation by spending time doing something you like, or even going on a vacation can help to decrease stress that builds up in everyday life. Support groups, which are available for alcoholics, drug users and even sex addictions, are also available to depressed people to lessen the feeling of isolation.
Herbal Medicines are an effective alternative to antidepressants, and yet they can have the same bad effects. St. John's wort is a monoamine oxidase (MAO), which is one of the longest lasting treatments to depression. MAO's have a reaction with many popular foods and drinks and this has caused them to lose popularity.
When depression develops, confusion can follow. "Why does this have to happen right at this moment in my life," "Why me, why now." These are examples of what people ask themselves. Timing for depression to occur is never perfect. In fact, depression will not happen at a good time, if life could accommodate it, there would be no reason for depression to come about.
Depression has more to it then a simple solution, telling the person "get well soon," this may make the person feel that attention has been given, but for them to "get well..." can be a longer procedure unlike using this same phrase in regards to someone having the flu. The length of time that it will take for life to be back on track depends on how much time is used hesitating before seeking treatment. If you know someone that is hesitating, keep in mind its their choice to find help. Making a call for them does not help, for the person to go through with treatment, they have made a decision and a commitment and this is something that they can't be forced into.
Many things can cause depression, but sometimes the cause is unknown. Much progress has developed since the dawn of time in the field of psychology, as well as how the mind reacts to particular situations. Admitting to a problem and learning about what problem your having to face is part of a recovery process followed by counseling is a recipe for a healthy future.
Bibliography
- Oster, Gerald D, Ph.D., & Montgomery, Sara S., MSW, (1995). Helping your depressed teenager, a guide for parents and caregivers, New York: Wiley Publishing.
- Cohen, David B., (1994). Out of the blue: depression and human nature, New York, New York: W.W. Norton.
- McDonald, River R., (1989) 101 ways to kick depression, Broomfield, Colorado: Wind River Institute.
- Balswick & Balswick, The Family,
- Nethealth (1998), http://www.depression.com, Epicenter Communications
- Vaughan, Susan C. M.D., (1998, Winter Edition). Understanding Depression, Newsweek Health + Fitness, 27.
- Weston, Laurie, M.D. (1995) Http://www.nau.edu/~fronske/depression/ Health Education Office, Fronske Health Center, Northern Arizona University.
- Stephen L. Bernhardt (1996-1997) http://www.geocities.com/HotSprings/3628/ Haveaheart's Depression and Suicide Home
