Understanding Depression

Major Depressive Disorder (Depression) is not just a temporary mood, and it's not a sign of personal weakness. Depression is a serious medical condition with a variety of symptoms. Emotional symptoms can include sadness, loss of interest in things you once enjoyed, feelings of guilt or worthlessness, restlessness, and trouble concentrating or making decisions. Physical symptoms can include fatigue, vague aches and pains, headaches, and changes in weight or sleep patterns. For some, depression can include thoughts of death or suicide.

There are many theories about the cause of depression. One of the most commonly accepted theories suggests that two naturally occurring chemicals, serotonin and norepinephrine, are believed to affect core mood and pain symptoms of depression.

These chemical messengers aid communication between many areas of the brain and spinal cord that affect emotional aspects of a person's nature. They are also important in "controlling the volume" of messages about pain between the body and the brain.

If these chemicals are out of balance, the effect can be felt in both the brain and body. You can feel both the emotional and physical symptoms of depression.

Where Does Depression Hurt?

Anywhere and everywhere: at home, at work, or with friends.

Someone with depression might think or say any of the following:

"I feel sad all the time."
"I just don't feel like myself."
"I don't enjoy being with my friends or doing any of the things I usually love to do."
"I've been having a lot of trouble sleeping lately."
"I keep having aches and pains, and I don't know why."
"Sometimes I feel like my life is not worth living anymore."

Research suggests that about two-thirds of people diagnosed with depression talk to their family doctors first about physical symptoms.

Seek Help

Many people suffer in silence while depression slowly eats away at their quality of life. Some are ashamed or afraid to seek help; others try to downplay the severity of their symptoms. It's important to remember that depression isn't something that's "all in your head."

Learn about symptoms and causes of depression.

Take Suicidal Thoughts Seriously

Thoughts about death or suicide are common in depression, and it's important to take such thoughts seriously. If you feel like giving up or as if you might hurt yourself, get help immediately:

Call your doctor
Go to the emergency room
Call 911
Call the National Suicide Prevention Helpline, 1-800-SUICIDE [1-800-784-2433]

Family History May Be Important

People with a family history of depression may be more likely to get the disease, but anyone can become depressed. Sometimes the triggers are external—for example, relationship troubles or financial problems. At other times the disease may begin with physical illness or hormonal shifts. Depression also may occur without any identifiable trigger at all.

Who Does Depression Hurt?

Depression is common, affecting about 121 million people worldwide. More than 32 million people in the United States will experience a major depressive episode in their lifetime. This happens regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, or income. Depression can affect friends and family as well, putting stress on relationships at home and at work.

Unfortunately, many people with depression avoid seeking treatment because they worry what others will think of them. They don't realize how widespread this medical condition is:

Depression is among the leading causes of disability worldwide
Women are nearly twice as likely as men to experience depression
People with a family history of depression may be more likely to develop the disease
People with chronic or debilitating medical conditions may also be susceptible to the disease
A major life change, even a joyous one like becoming a new parent, increases the risk of developing depression

The fact is, depression affects plenty of people who don't have any obvious risk factors. What's more, those around the depressed person can be touched too, including family, friends, and co-workers.

To learn if your symptoms could be depression, use the Self-Assessment Checklist and the Symptom Body Map. Get tips and learn more about talking to your doctor.

To find help if you think a friend or loved one is depressed, learn more about supporting someone with depression.