DEPRESSION is Far More Sinister Than Sadness – But with Treatment , There is
HOPE
By KIMBERLY BLAKER
I was first diagnosed with major depression at the age of 31 . I was married , had two beautiful kids ages 7 and 3 , and owned a thriving business . Yet , despite having so much to live for , my mood plummeted into despair . I lost all motivation to do anything . The simplest everyday tasks suddenly required an extraordinary effort . At night , I ’ d lie awake ruminating over every minor thing I had ever said or done wrong — or less than perfect . My life felt utterly worthless , despite all evidence to the contrary , and I became engulfed in sorrow and hopelessness .
As days turned into weeks , I continued to spiral downward . I became increasingly focused on death . I wasn ’ t suicidal , per se — though thoughts of the least painful methods of ending my suffering swirled around in my mind . I wanted nothing more than to fall asleep and never wake up again .
Unable to endure the pain and emptiness any longer and terrified by my thoughts , I finally sought help . My doctor prescribed an antidepressant , and within a few weeks , the darkness lifted . I was once again , my usual happy , energetic self .
But this was only the beginning of a lifelong battle with depression . Over the past couple of decades , I ’ ve had far too many bouts of depression to even count . Some are mild and short-lived , having minimal impact on my functioning , despite the bleak and gloomy outlook that looms over me . Other episodes are major and impact all areas of my life .
Recently , I experienced my first dysthymic episode — a depression that lasted two years , cycling between mild and severe . I had become resistant to my long-trusted friend , Wellbutrin , and none of the other medications I tried gave me any relief . Finally , I found a psychopharmacologist who knew just the right cocktail ( a combination of medications ) for me , and my depression went back into remission .
People with one depressive disorder often suffer from various forms . I ’ ve been diagnosed with major depressive disorder , dysthymia , seasonal affective disorder ( SAD ), and either cyclothymia or bipolar II ( hypomania , rather than mania ), with the depression component being the more severe problem for me .
Women are particularly at risk for depression . Depression does affect both women and men . But women are twice as likely to experience major depression , according to Harvard Medical School . Women also experience higher rates of dysthymia , seasonal affective disorder ( SAD ), and the depressive side of bipolar disorder .
Depression , unlike the normal sadness everyone experiences from time to time , is a soul-sucking darkness that ’ s debilitating . It causes feelings of hopelessness , helplessness , and worthlessness . Depression can affect every aspect of life , from work and school to parenting , friendships , and the very basics of living .
For most women who ’ ve been diagnosed with depression in the past , the feeling is unmistakable when it begins to set in . But those who suffer from milder forms of depression and sometimes , even those suffering from a first major depressive episode , don ’ t immediately connect all the dots . So , some people can experience depression and not realize they ’ re suffering from a treatable illness .
Signs of depression
Symptoms of depression can range from mild to severe . Not everyone experiences every symptom . But several symptoms must be present for at least two weeks to receive a diagnosis of depression . The exact criteria for specific types of depression vary slightly . But the following are all indicators .
• Feeling depressed ( sad , empty , or hopeless ) nearly every day for at least a couple weeks
• Unusual irritability or difficulty controlling anger
• Ongoing trouble sleeping or sleeping more than usual
• An increase or decrease in appetite or significant unexplained weight loss or gain
• Loss of interest or pleasure in all or most activities
• Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
• Feelings of fatigue or loss of energy
• Excessive or inappropriate feelings of guilt or worthlessness
• Visible psychomotor slowing down or agitation
• Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide , with or without a plan , or attempted suicide
Types of depression
There are quite a few classifications , or types , of depression . The following are a few of the more common . In any given year , major depressive disorder affects nearly 7 % of the U . S . population , according to the National Institutes of Mental Health ( NIMH ). During a major depressive episode , almost all aspects of a person ’ s life are affected . Someone suffering from major depression may lack the motivation to do anything , including such necessities as taking a shower . Because of the impairment , both work and personal life suffer . In addition to the symptoms noted above , 20 % of those with major depression will also experience psychosis ( hallucinations or delusions ).
Dysthymia is diagnosed when someone experiences depression for most of each day and on most days for at least two years . It ’ s often a lower level yet enduring depression . But those with major depression who are treatment-resistant can also meet the diagnosis of dysthymia . So , impairment from dysthymia can range from mild to severe . Women , according to HealthFundingResearch . org , are three times more likely than men to suffer from dysthymia .
Those with seasonal affective disorder ( SAD ) become depressed only or primarily during a particular season . For most with SAD , it ’ s
26 • SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2022