sadness. Some people describe depression as living in a black hole or having a feeling of

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1 Noelle Delepine March 4, 2016 Health 2 Depression Depression Sadness is a normal reaction in life s struggles, setbacks, and disappointments. Many people use the word depression to explain these kinds of feelings, but depression is much more than just sadness. Some people describe depression as living in a black hole or having a feeling of impending doom. However, some depressed people don't feel sad at all they may feel lifeless, empty, and apathetic, or men in particular may even feel angry, aggressive, and restless. Depression is a mood disorder that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest. It is also called a major depressive disorder or clinical depression. It affects how you feel, think and behave and can lead to a variety of emotional and physical problems. People that are depressed may have trouble doing normal day-to-day activities, and sometimes you may feel as if life isn't worth living. Depression is the state of feeling very unhappy and without hope for the future. (Mayo Clinic Staff). Signs and/or Symptoms Depression is different for every person, but there are some common signs and symptoms. Signs and symptoms of depression can include: feelings of helplessness and hopelessness. They constantly feel that nothing will ever be better and there s nothing they can do to improve their situation. People that are depressed can loose of interest in daily activities. They have no interest in their old hobbies, pastimes, social activities, or sex. In all reality, they have lost their ability to feel joy and pleasure. They may also experience an appetite or weight changes which they have

2 significant weight loss or weight gain. Sleep changes are also common. For example, insomnia or oversleeping. Anger, irritability, or loss of energy is also a symptom to look out for. Depression also has a major risk factor for suicide. The deep despair and hopelessness that goes along with depression can make suicide feel like the only way to escape the pain. (Depression Symptoms and Warning Signs). Statistics Depression is a condition that reportedly affects 1 in 10 Americans at one point or another, but incidence of depression is actually higher in some states than others. Certain ethnicities are also reported to have higher depression rates than others do. African-Americans have a 4%, Hispanics 4%, Caucasians 3.1, and others have 4.3% chance of experiencing depression. Over all 80% of the people that have the symptoms of clinical depression are not receiving any treatment of their condition, while the number of patients diagnosed with depression increases by about 20% per year. Rates of depression in women are twice as high as they are in men. One in ten women experience symptoms of depression in the week after having a baby. (Depression Statistics: Unhappiness by the Numbers). Treatments Just as the symptoms and causes of depression are different in different people, so are the ways to feel better. What works for one person might not work for another, and no one treatment is appropriate in all cases. Therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes can help treat depression. Therapy can help by discussing feelings and reactions with the therapist, it will help them move

3 forward rather than retreat back to their old, less effective ways. Medication may help relieve some of the symptoms of moderate and severe depression, but it doesn t cure the underlying problem, and it s usually not a long-term solution. Antidepressant medications also come with side effects and safety concerns, and withdrawal can be very difficult. Lifestyle changes are simple but powerful tools in treating depression. Sometimes they might be all you need, simple steps like exercising regularly, eating well, going to bed at a reasonable time, going out with people, and reducing the amount of stress can help. Even if you need other treatment, lifestyle changes go a long way towards helping lift depression, and they can help keep depression at bay once you are feeling better. (Depression Symptoms and Warning Signs). Costs of treatment or care Private services are available and are covered by some insurance plans. The cost for private counseling or therapy can range from $50 to $240 for a one-hour session. The recommended rate is different in different provinces, but some therapy or counseling is provided at no cost through medical clinics, or hospitals. Some common antidepressants that are used to treat depression are Prozac ($8), Effexor XR ($20), Lexapro ($7), Limbitrol ($30), Paxil ($4), Symbyax ($100) and Zoloft ($9). (Prices and Coupons for Escitalopram). Causes Depression is not as simple as some conditions, it is different for every person. Some people are more likely to experience depressive episodes while others are not. There are several possible

4 causes of depression. Depression may be an inherited condition. Changes in hormone production or functioning could lead to depression. Changes in hormone states for example menopause, childbirth, thyroid problems, or other disorders could cause depression. Depression in some cases is also seasonal most people are depressed during the winter season and this condition usually goes away once the days get longer. Anytime of trauma, big change, or struggle in life can also trigger a case of depression. As you can see there are many causes of depression, but those with depression can always find help. (Gabbey, Amber Erickson). Help/ Care Dealing with depression can be very isolating. But if they re having a hard time handling their depression alone, there are many organizations that can help a person with depression. For example, Depression Support Alliance Oregon Inc. (DBSA Oregon), Depression Understood (Free Depression Support Group and Information Resource), and NAMI (NAMI Oregon) are agencies that can help. In serious conditions like wanting to kill yourself or others, they should call 911.

5 Bibliography "DBSA Oregon." DBSA Oregon. N.p., n.d. Web. 08 Mar < "Depression Statistics: Unhappiness by the Numbers." Depression Statistics: Unhappiness by the Numbers. Healthline Media, Web. 08 Mar < "Depression Symptoms and Warning Signs." Depression Symptoms & Warning Signs: How to Recognize Depression Symptoms and Get Effective Help. Helpguide, n.d. Web. 08 Mar < "Free Depression Support Group and Information Resource." Depression Chat Rooms. N.p., Jan.-Feb Web. 10 Mar < Gabbey, Amber Erickson. "Causes of Depression." Healthline. Ed. George Krucik. Healthline Media, n.d. Web. 08 Mar < Mayo Clinic Staff. "Depression (major Depressive Disorder)." Depression (major Depression). Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, Web. 08 Mar < >. "NAMI Oregon." NAMI Oregon. N.p., n.d. Web. 09 Mar < "Prices and Coupons for Escitalopram." Escitalopram Prices and Escitalopram Coupons. N.p., n.d. Web. 09 Mar < 2BRCFl4Lb2NTJttEBEiQAmj2tbWWbcL19yD7EwTPMZScqgI7BwTvH5jpLAOpdpzr4cO 0aAtRY8P8HAQ>.