Warning Signs of Depression
(Page 1 of 2)

By Dianne Ruth, CCH, PhD


Regular Guest presenter on
KLZ 560 AM Radio Denver
Peggy Spiro Talk Show
(Resource Notes)

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Are you depressed? (Page 1 of 2)

• Some Statistics About Depression
• How do you recognize depression?
• What are the symptoms of depression?
• What causes depression?
• Are there different levels of depression?
• How is depression treated?
• Can people with depression help themselves?

Are you depressed? (Page 2 of 2)

• How can you help someone who is depressed?
• Is depression inherited?
• Can depression be temporary?
• What is Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)?
• Is there more than one type of depression?

Some Statistics About Depression

● Almost 15% of depressed people will commit suicide.

● During any six-month period, nine million American adults suffer from a depressive illness.

● The number one cause of disability in women is depression, states a report by the World Health Organization.

● Studies indicate that depression occurs twice as often in women as in men, according to the American Psychological Association.

● By 2020, depression will be the number one disease and the second greatest single cause of disability and death in the world, especially among the elderly, predicts The World Bank and the World Health Organization.

● Most people with depression do not seek treatment.

● Depression is not a sign of personal weakness or a condition that can be willed or wished away.

● Without treatment, symptoms can last for months or years.

● Even those with the severest form of depression can be helped.

Top

6 Signs of Depression

Major Depression is characterized by:

● at least two weeks of depressed mood
● loss of interest in most activities
● symptoms that cause distress in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning
● children and adolescents may be irritable rather than sad
● increased irritability or persistent anger and an exaggerated sense of frustration over minor matters
● at least four additional symptoms of depression (see below)

Top

What are the symptoms of depression?

Not everyone who is depressed experiences every symptom. Some people experience a few symptoms, some many. Severity of symptoms can also vary from one person to another. You may also review and print out "Depression Worksheet."

Depression:

● depressed mood most of the day, nearly every day
● diminished interest in nearly all activities
● fluctuating weight and/or appetite
● difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
● sleeping excessively
● feeling fidgety or restless
● feeling sluggish
● fatigue or loss of energy
● feelings of worthlessness
● feelings of excessive or inappropriate guilt
● diminished ability to think
● difficulty concentrating
● indecisiveness
● recurrent thoughts of death

Top

What causes depression?

The primary cause of major depression is unknown. The following list may identify some of the contributing factors involved:

● persistent stress
● the breakup of an important relationship
● feeling out-of-control
● low self-esteem
● pessimistic attitude
● may run in some families
● major loss such as career, job or business
● chronic illness
● difficult relationship
● financial problems
● forced change in lifestyle
● loss of a loved one
● a decline in physical or mental health
● substance abuse
● a side effect of some prescribed medications
● toxin exposure

Top

Are there different levels of depression?

Depression is measured along a continuum ranging from mild to moderate to severe.

Top

How is depression treated?

There are varieties of antidepressant medications and psychotherapies that can be used to treat depressive disorders.

Recent research reviews indicate that psychotherapy is at least as effective as anti-depressant medications for mild to severe depression and is more effective in helping to avoid relapses.

Life Coaching & Alternative/Holistic  Counseling can usually offer even more dramatic and accelerated success toward recovery when combined with one or more of the powerful natural approaches to treating depression, such as:

● amino acids
● dietary supplements
● herbs
● nutrition
● vitamins and minerals
● fish oil
● homeopathy
● Bach Flower remedies
● acupuncture
● biofeedback
● exercise
● volunteer work
● body work
● journaling
● more ...

Top

Can people with depression help themselves?

When in combination with professional treatment, self-help can make a difference with your day-to-day feelings and progress.

● Avoid difficult tasks or responsibilities.
● Break large tasks into small ones.
● Don’t expect too much from yourself too soon.
● Try to be around others; it’s usually better than being alone.
● Do activities that make you feel better.
● Keep a journal. This is one of the most effective self-help techniques you can do.
● Become a volunteer. This is another effective self-help technique that can really make a difference. 
● Exercise.
● Get out; participate in religious or social activities.
● Postpone making major life decisions, if possible.
● Recognize that feeling better takes time.

Are you depressed? (Page 2 of 2) continue

Top