Understanding Depression

Depression is a physical, emotional, and social experience. Although the source may not always be immediately obvious, the symptoms of depression serve as a painful reaction to challenging situations in our lives. These can include significant changes and losses, such as a death, a divorce or separation, a new medical diagnosis, or even the loss of a job, a change in career, or the birth of a child.

It is important to understand that depression is not just 'in your mind.' In fact, as much as 85% of physician visits are related to problems that have a significant psychological and/or behavioral component, including chronic illnesses. Research has shown a connection between the impact of depression and conditions like osteoporosis and even cancer (Stress Found to Weaken Resistance to Illness Washington Post, Dec. 22, 2003).

Depression is quite common, with major depressive disorder affecting approximately 14.8 million American adults, or about 6.7 percent of the U.S. population aged 18 and older, in any given year (Archives of General Psychiatry, 2005 Jun; 62(6): 617-27).

It’s essential to differentiate between depression and sadness. While individuals struggling with depression often experience deep, and sometimes seemingly unending sadness, they may also face other symptoms of depression such as numbness or emptiness, physical pain, difficulty concentrating, sleep disturbances, and unexplained weight loss or gain. Those suffering from depression may find it challenging to engage in activities they once enjoyed, or feel distant and unmotivated from significant others in their lives.

Depression can arise as a reaction to life circumstances, but for some individuals, it can appear unexpectedly. Patients often have difficulty identifying the reasons behind their feelings, highlighting the complex nature of depression and the importance of seeking appropriate depression treatment.

There are as many different ways of experiencing depression as there are people who suffer from it. However, some common symptoms of depression that patients describe include a loss of interest in activities that once brought joy. Daily tasks can feel overwhelmingly draining, as if one is slogging through deep mud. Even the simplest actions can seem insurmountable, leaving individuals feeling depleted and frustrated despite their efforts. It's disheartening to hear friends, family, and partners suggest, 'just think positively.' If depression could be alleviated by mere thoughts, it would be much easier to manage. Often, positive words can unintentionally deepen feelings of inadequacy. Simply being present in a supportive manner is usually far more beneficial. The impact of depression extends beyond emotional turmoil, as many individuals experience a range of feelings including guilt, shame, anger, frustration, sadness, and anxiety. This condition can also manifest physically, leading to symptoms like aches and pains, insomnia or hypersomnia (sleeping too little or too much), weight fluctuations, stomach cramps, and difficulty concentrating. Understanding these symptoms of depression is crucial in seeking appropriate depression treatment.

Thoughts, attitudes, and emotions can accelerate the onset of heart disease and hinder individuals from taking positive steps to improve their health. (American Psychological Association, 2004) The impact of depression is particularly significant for individuals with diabetes, who are twice as likely to experience serious psychological distress compared to those without diabetes (McVeight, et al, 2003). Additionally, approximately 20% of cancer patients suffer from symptoms of depression, which can impede their treatment and recovery. This distress may also affect children and caregivers of cancer patients (NIH, 2009). Notably, a study of patients with heart disease revealed that effective depression treatment through psychological interventions can reduce the risk of further cardiac events by 75% compared to those receiving only medical care and medication (Sobel, 2000).

Eighty-eight percent (88%) of the public, in a national survey, believe that mental health services, including effective depression treatment, should be available to everyone. They assert that the health care system must treat the entire person, taking into account one’s mental well-being and the impact of depression on overall health. (W.K. Kellogg Foundation, 1999). Ninety percent (90%) of those surveyed also believe that good psychological health is essential for maintaining good physical health, highlighting the connection between symptoms of depression and physical wellness (Penn & Schoen poll, May 1995). Moreover, the provision of psychological services to high frequency Medicaid users led to a 36% reduction in their Medicaid utilization after one year, demonstrating the effectiveness of addressing mental health needs, including depression treatment (Pallak, et al., 1995).