Depression’s not easy to live with, especially now. America’s been hit harder than any other country by COVID-19 and its effect, with nearly 200,000 dead and millions unemployed. There’s been a spike in depression cases since June, but knowing about the illness will help you make informed decisions regarding treatment.
WHAT IS DEPRESSION?
According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, “Depression is a serious medical illness. It’s more than just a feeling of being sad or ‘blue’ for a few days. If you are one of the more than 19 million teens and adults in the United States who have depression, the feelings do not go away.”
Depression is an illness of the brain. There is a range of causes, including biological, genetic, environmental, and psychological triggers.
WHO DOES IT AFFECT?
Depression affects people of all ages, regardless of gender, religion, politics, money, or social standing. Who is affected by depression?
- More than 264 million globally.
- In the U.S., more than 17 million adults.
- The risk of depression is greater for women (8.7 percent) than men (5.3 percent).
- People between 18 and 25 years-old have the highest rate of depression (13.1 percent) by age group.
- Depression is most prevalent among adults reporting a multi-racial heritage (11.1 percent).
- About 3.2 million children in the U.S. between 12 and 17 years-old have depression, with more among girls (20 percent) than boys (6.8 percent).
DEPRESSION IN MEN
Symptoms in men include the following:
- Regular feelings of hopelessness, sadness, or emptiness
- Feel very fatigued
- Have problems sleeping or sleep more than average
- Little or no satisfaction from activities once enjoyable
- Escapist behavior, like devoting considerable time at their job or on sports
- Physical symptoms, like headaches, digestive trouble and pain
- Trouble with drug use or alcohol
- Controlling, abusive, abhorrent, or violent behavior
- Irritability or unacceptable anger
- Risky behavior, like reckless driving
- Problems controlling their temper or arguing unnecessarily
- Depression is less prevalent in men than women, unfortunately, and men are more known for violent episodes related to mental illness.
DEPRESSION IN WOMEN
Depression can happen to any woman, anytime, despite age, income, or race, but it’s a treatable illness. Symptoms include:
- Sadness, anxiety, “empty” moods
- No longer interested in pleasurable activities including sex
- Excessive crying, restlessness, irritability
- Guilt, helplessness, pessimism
- Abnormal sleep patterns, either too much or not enough
- Appetite changes followed by weight loss or gain
- Low energy, fatigue, feeling “slowed down”
- Thinking of death or suicide
- Trouble concentrating, remembering, decision-making
- Physical symptoms that are treatment-resistant – headaches, digestive ailments, chronic pain
DEPRESSION IN CHILDREN AND TEENS
Depression in children and teens shows up in many ways.
- Irritability, sadness, or socially withdrawn
- No longer interested in pleasurable hobbies
- Changes in weight
- Sleeping problems
- Hopelessness, worthlessness, guilt
- Trouble thinking, concentrating, making decisions
- Thinking about death and suicide
- Low energy
- Shows little emotion
- Complaints of headaches and stomach pain
- Anxious or “clingy” with a caregiver
Teens may sleep, move, or speak more slowly than normal to the point where it’s noticed by others. Severe depression in young adults and children can manifest in symptoms like seeing or hearing things that aren’t there (hallucinations) or holding onto false beliefs (delusions).
WHAT TO KNOW WHEN YOU’RE DEPRESSED
- Self-tests for depression. Everybody, it seems, are armchair psychologists with intractable opinions on what constitutes depression. If you think you’re depressed, you can try and identify classic symptoms discussed above, or try an online self-assessment. Beyond self-help, though, there is no path for psychotherapy or medicine without a formal diagnosis.
- Clinical & medical testing for depression. In order to be formally diagnosed following criteria in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, you have to be examined by a medical doctor or licensed mental health professional. A doctor or therapist will try and uncover what’s causing your symptoms.
- Treatment options for depression include a combination of psychotherapy, self-help, or medicines like antidepressants. Over the last several years, researchers have discovered an innovative new use for the anesthetic ketamine, repurposing it to treat symptoms of mental disorders including depression.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Depression is a serious mental health disorder harming millions of people globally. Its symptoms are infamous and treatable, so if you need help, reach out to your partner, family, doctor, or therapist for more information. Drugs like ketamine can reduce symptoms and build confidence within you for controlling the disorder.
If you or a loved one have questions about the clinical use of ketamine to help treat the symptoms of depression we can help. Contact Premier Infusions today to learn more about the innovative new treatments that are available.