Depression: When You've Got More Than The Blues.

Depressive disorders are thought to affect about 9% of the adult U.S. population each year, or more than 18 million Americans over the age of 18.  Some studies claim that even if you yourself don't develop a major depressive disorder, you'll be affected by someone else's depressive symptoms during your lifetime.

I'd like to take some time here and in subsequent blogs to take a look at depression and to shed some light on what it is and isn't, conventional treatments, and some common misconceptions about depressive disorders.

Most of us feel "down" or "blue" every so often. It can be a normal reaction to a sad or disappointing event, loss, or even a physical condition.  But, when these down feelings deepen into feelings of profound and persistent sadness, worthlessness and hopelessness, you may be suffering from a depressive disorder.

A "low-grade" feeling of persistent sadness almost daily that lasts for more than two years can be a condition known as dysthymia. It can cause mild to moderate distress that can interrupt or hinder the enjoyment of daily activities.

A severely depressed mood that lasts for more than two weeks is called a major depressive episode. More severe than dysthymia,  major depressive episodes are usually characterized by depressed mood, inability to take pleasure in formerly pleasurable activities, loss of energy, isolation from friends and family--and more.

There many diagnoses for depressive disorders but most require evidence of distress which interrupts daily activities or normal enjoyment of life. Depression can also be characterized by atypical changes in appetite, weight or sleeping patterns (too much or too little).

While depression has a number of causes, if you suspect you're depressed, it may be a good idea to see your physician, as there can be any number of organic conditions that contribute to or cause depressive symptoms.

Depression can also "somatize" or express symptoms in the body, commonly including generalized body aches.  According to one study, 80% of people who see a doctor are depressed. Additional studies increasingly link depression to illness, including osteoporosis, heart disease, eye disease, back pain and diabetes, among others.

The good news is, despite conflicting opinions on treatment of depression, many studies conclude that talk therapy, in coordination with antidepressant drug therapy can be effective in treating depression.  One of the first steps to treatment, however, is overcoming some of the stigma people feel about depression. In a 2004 study by the National Mental Health Association, 54% of people feel that depression is a personal weakness; in a previous survey, the same organization reported that 41% of depressed women are too embarrassed to seek help.

Recognizing that depression is an illness, not a weakness, can help many shift away from feelings of shame and inadequacy to a more realistic view that embraces treatment.  And, if you're having a hard time seeing depression as an illness, then consider this: depression causes more absenteeism each year in the U.S. than any other physical disorder, costing employers more than $51 billion--yes, billion--each year in sick pay and lost productivity.

And that's enough to make anyone feel a little blue.

Coming soon: Causes Of Depression.

Until then, thanks for listening.