FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Traci Patterson
Director of Communications
Mental Health America of Greater Houston
tpatterson@mhahouston.org
713-523-8963 x 476
Houston, TX (February 26, 2010)—Everyone occasionally feels blue or sad, but these feelings are usually fleeting and pass within a couple of days. When a person has a depressive disorder, it interferes with daily life, normal functioning, and causes pain for both the person with the disorder and those who care about him or her.
Studies show that 1 in 5 women and 1 in 10 men will at some time in their lives be diagnosed with clinical depression. Many more people become depressed at one time or another in their lives, but aren't diagnosed. Some people are just too embarrassed to admit that they are depressed. They may think that it's weak or bad or sinful to feel depressed and therefore try to deny their feelings. Some others have asked for help and been disappointed with their treatments. And still others are so depressed that they can't seem to muster up the energy to get the help they need; they don't have any hope that they could ever feel better.
Those who are depressed need to feel better. Depression is serious. Left untreated it is not only painful, but can be disabling and even life threatening when it leads to a suicide attempt. Those who are depressed can feel better. There is hope. Depression can be treated.
Mental Health America of Greater Houston offers individuals and families who are uninsured, underinsured and unable to afford therapy, access to low cost, and in some cases, free services through its Pro Bono Counseling Program. For help or access to care, contact our information and referral helpline at 713-522-5161.
Basic Facts About Clinical Depression
- Clinical depression is one of the most common mental illnesses, affecting more than 19 million Americans each year. This includes major depressive disorder, manic depression and dysthymia, a milder, longer-lasting form of depression.
- Depression causes people to lose pleasure from daily life, can complicate other medical conditions, and can even be serious enough to lead to suicide.
- Depression can occur to anyone, at any age, and to people of any race or ethnic group. Depression is never a "normal" part of life, no matter what your age, gender or health situation.
Unfortunately, even though treatment for depression is almost always successful, fewer than half of those suffering from this illness seek treatment. Too many people resist treatment because they believe depression isn't serious, that they can treat it themselves or that it is a personal weakness rather than a serious medical illness.
Treatments for Clinical Depression
Clinical depression is very treatable, with more than 80% of those who seek treatment showing improvement. The most commonly used treatments are antidepressant medication, psychotherapy or a combination of the two. The choice of treatment depends on the pattern, severity, persistence of depressive symptoms and the history of the illness. As with many illnesses, early treatment is more effective and helps prevent the likelihood of serious recurrences. Depression must be treated by a physician or qualified mental health professional.
Symptoms of Clinical Depression
- Persistent sad, anxious or "empty" mood
- Sleeping too much or too little, middle of the night or early morning waking
- Reduced appetite and weight loss, or increased appetite and weight gain
- Loss of pleasure and interest in activities once enjoyed, including sex
- Restlessness, irritability
- Persistent physical symptoms that do not respond to treatment (such as chronic pain or digestive disorders)
- Difficulty concentrating, remembering or making decisions
- Fatigue or loss of energy
- Feeling guilty, hopeless or worthless
- Thoughts of suicide or death
If you have five or more of these symptoms for two weeks or more, you could have clinical depression and should see your doctor or a qualified mental health professional for help.
Causes of Clinical Depression
Many things can contribute to clinical depression. For some people, a number of factors seem to be involved, while for others a single factor can cause the illness.
- Biological - People with depression typically have too little or too much of certain brain chemicals, called "neurotransmitters." Changes in these brain chemicals may cause or contribute to clinical depression.
- Cognitive - People with negative thinking patterns and low self-esteem are more likely to develop clinical depression.
- Gender - Women experience clinical depression at a rate that is nearly twice that of men. While the reasons for this are still unclear, they may include the hormonal changes women go through during menstruation, pregnancy, childbirth and menopause. Other reasons may include the stress caused by the multiple responsibilities that women have.
- Co-occurrence - Clinical depression is more likely to occur along with certain illnesses, such as heart disease, cancer, Parkinson's disease, diabetes, Alzheimer's disease and hormonal disorders.
- Medications - Side effects of some medications can bring about depression.
- Genetic - A family history of clinical depression increases the risk for developing the illness.
- Situational - Difficult life events, including divorce, financial problems or the death of a loved one can contribute to clinical depression.
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