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You may not know exactly what's wrong with you, but you do know that you just don't feel like your usual self. Life is full of emotional ups and downs and everyone experiences the "blues" from time to time. But when the "down" times are long lasting or interfere with an individual's ability to function at home and at work, that person may be suffering from a common, serious illness-DEPRESSION.

Clinical depression is not something that's imagined, or "all in your head." It's a very real medical disorder that affects mood, mind, body and behavior. Research has shown that in the United States more than 17 million people (one in ten adults) experience depression each year, and nearly two thirds do not get the help they need. Treatment can alleviate the symptoms in over 80 percent of cases. Yet, because it often goes unrecognized, depression continues to cause unnecessary suffering.


WHAT IS DEPRESSION?

Depression isn't just a brief blue mood or a passing sadness that lifts in a few hours or even a few days. People who suffer from depression experience at least five of the following symptoms for a minimum duration of two weeks:

* Persistent depressed mood, including feelings of sadness or emptiness.

* a Loss of interest or pleasure in activities or hobbies that were once enjoyed.

* Feelings of hopelessness and pessimism.

* Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, and helplessness.

* Insomnia, early-morning awakening, or oversleeping.

* Loss of appetite accompanied by weight loss or overeating accompanied by weight gain.

* Decreased energy, fatigue, and feeling "slowed down"

* Difficulty concentrating.


ARE THERE DIFFERENT TYPES OF DEPRESSION?

Yes, in addition to major depressive disorder, which is what people are usually referring to when they talk about depression, there are other types of depressive disorders as well.

Dysthymia - This is a chronic, low grade depressive state. A patient is diagnosed as dysthimic if this state persists for at least two years. Chronic symptoms of dysthymia are not usually completely disabling, but they keep the individual from feeling good and from functioning at "full steam."

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) - Individuals with SAD experience the symptoms of major depressive disorder including depressed mood, extreme sluggishness, irritability and anxiety but only at a particular time of the year (usually late fall and winter).

Reactive Depression - Short-term depressive state in reaction to a life event (eg. death, health condition, relationship breakup).


WHAT CAUSES DEPRESSION?

Genetic research has demonstrated a family link in depression. Studies have indicated that relatives of people with depression are two to three times more likely to suffer than the general population. While major environmental changes, like the loss of a loved one, a job change or a move to a new are not believed to cause clinical depression, they may trigger it in susceptible individuals.


WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO SEEK TREATMENT?

Depression is treatable. Today we have more treatments for depression than we have ever had before. It is also important to note that seeking treatment early in the course of a depressive episode may help to prevent the illness from becoming more severe or chronic. In addition, treatment (especially with medication) can prevent recurrence of depression. About half of the individuals who have one episode of depression will eventually have a second. After two episodes without treatment, the chances of having a third episode are even greater. Treatment can help to interrupt this downhill spiral.


HOW DO I GET HELP FOR CLINICAL DEPRESSION?

The first step is to talk to your college counselor or your doctor. Bring in your checklist and explain the symptoms you have been experiencing. A physical checkup may be recommended to find out if there is any underlying physical cause for the depressive symptoms.

If clinical depression is diagnosed, then your counselor, physician, health maintenance organization may make referrals to a mental health specialist. Mental health professionals include psychiatrists, psychologists, counselors and social workers. Psychiatrists can prescribe antidepressant medication because they are physicians.

Mental health professionals who are not physicians cannot prescribe medication, but can provide psychotherapy and often work with psychiatrists and other doctors to ensure that their patients receive the
medications they may need.