Depression Facts
What
is Depression?
Depression
is an illness affecting behavior, mood, thoughts, and the
body. People who experience depression often report
several of the following symptoms for an extended period
of time:
Depressed/sad mood
Difficulty concentrating
Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
Fatigue
Loss of interest in pleasurable
activities
Sleeping too little or too much
Increased or decreased appetite
Feeling very agitated or slowed down
Frequent thoughts of death/suicide
Depression
in Men
Depression
in men can sometimes look different. Some men may
experience some of the following symptoms, either in
addition to or in place of the symptoms listed above:
Excessive anger or irritability
Social withdrawal
Alcohol or drug abuse
Physical symptoms such as muscle
tension, headaches, or chest pain
How
Common is Depression?
Roughly
1 out of 4 adults will experience at least one episode of
depression in their lifetime.
About
1 out of 10 adults reports having experienced a
depressive episode within the last year.
Approximately
6 million men will experience an episode of depression in
the next year.
Is
Depression Treatable?
Yes.
Research has demonstrated that many forms of
psychotherapy and medications can significantly reduce
depressive symptoms.
Useful
psychotherapy options include:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
helps individuals change negative styles of
thinking and behavior often associated with
depression.
Interpersonal Therapy focuses on
individuals' personal relationships that
contribute to depression.
Antidepressant
medications:
Are NOT addictive!
Include Selective Serotonin Reuptake
Inhibitors (SSRIs), which are the most commonly
prescribed antidepressants and generally have the
fewest side effects. Common SSRIs are Prozac,
Zoloft, and Paxil
What
Can I Do to Feel Better NOW?
Read
about depression. Educating yourself about what
you're going through and the available treatment options
can help you gain control over your life.
Exercise.
Research has shown that exercise is an excellent
technique for coping with stress, anxiety, and depression.
It may help alleviate some of the symptoms and relieve
tension in your body.
Talk
to family and friends. Research has also shown
that confiding in others can be a great way to get a
handle on your problems. Confiding in others helps you
sort things out in your mind, helps explain to others why
you may not be "acting yourself," and helps you
problem-solve with someone who cares about you.
Eat
right. When your body doesn't function well, you
don't feel well, and this can worsen depressive symptoms.
To avoid this negative cycle, eat a balanced diet and
take a daily multivitamin.
Talk
to a professional. You can speak to a physician,
social worker, psychotherapist, counselor, or
psychiatrist. Each of these professionals should be
knowledgeable about how to effectively treat depression.
|