MILLIONS of people worldwide suffer from depression. It is estimated to be 19 million people each year according to the National Institute of Mental Health. That is more than cancer, AIDS, and heart disease. Depression is reported to be the #1 cause of disability, accounting for missed work and costing employers in lost productivity. Depression is the most common mental health problem next to anxiety disorders which affects just as many people.
Depression occurs among people of all walks of life. It does not discriminate by age, race, or gender although it is twice as common among women as it is in men. Depression strikes adults, adolescents, children and the elderly. It strikes the rich and the poor; men and women; white collar and blue collar worker; the famous and well-known; and, people of all nations and backgrounds. There are different risk factors and rates among the different populations, but it comes down to being a problem than can happen to anyone.
Disclaimer: This course is intended for personal growth and development. It is not intended to take the place of professional treatment. Participants are advised to consult their own health care professional regarding the treatment of medical and mental health problems. Neither the instructor, NewDayCounseling.org, and BeHappy4Life.com take any responsibility for any possible consequences from any treatment, action or application of information applied in this course. See entire
People often describe it as feeling “unhappy.” Depression is experienced as a mood—a mood that is lower than normal. That is why it is considered a mood disorder. This low mood affects the way life is viewed and experienced.
Listen to Anne’s account of what it is like to experience depression: “For me it’s feeling worthlessness, feeling like I haven’t accomplished the things that I want to or feel I should have and yet I don’t have the energy to do them. It’s feeling disconnected from people in my life, even friends and family who care about me. It’s not wanting to get out of bed some mornings and losing hope that life will ever get better.”
Anne’s experience is all too common. Depression colors one’s view of life leading to a loss of self-esteem and hope for the future. It robs a person of motivation and energy for life. It leaves a person feeling alone in their pain. Depression affects every area of their life. It affects the whole person: Body (physical symptoms); Mind (thinking); Mood (feelings); Behavior (how you act and behave). The symptoms of depression significantly interfere with an individual’s overall functioning—social, occupational or any other important area of their life. Depression can range from mild forms to severe. There are many individual differences. Some experience all or some of the feelings, behaviors and bodily changes associated with depression.
The 7 Signs of Depression
Symptoms for clinical depression are provided in the DSM-IV (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders). This book is used by mental health professionals in the diagnosis of mental health disorders. The diagnosis of major depression is made when an individual experiences a number of symptoms for a period of two weeks or more which include: a low mood and feelings of hopelessness (can be irritable mood in children and adolescents) –and/or- a loss of interest and pleasure in all or most activities. If either or both of these symptoms are present, then other symptoms are identified as well. Five or more of the following symptoms are typically present in clinical depression:
Changes in eating habits. This can be either a decrease or increase in appetite with a loss or gain of 5% of body weight within a month when not dieting.
Changes in sleeping patterns. Insomnia or hypersomnia nearly every day.
Fatigue/Low energy. Fatigue or low energy nearly every day; tire easily; lack motivation.
Low self-esteem. Feelings of worthlessness; excessive or inappropriate guilt.
Cognitive impairment. Difficulty concentrating; indecisiveness, difficulty making decisions
Thoughts of death. Recurrent thoughts of death; suicidal thoughts, plans or attempts. This occurs in 15-20% of people who are depressed.
Psychomotor agitation or retardation. Lethargy nearly every day (slowed speech; lifelessness) –or- agitation (restlessness). This symptom is recognizable to others and not solely subjective feelings.
The symptoms of depression cause clinically significant impairment in important areas of functioning (social, occupational). The diagnosis of clinical depression needs to be determined by a mental health or medical professional who is trained to rule out other causes of the symptoms. Symptoms of bereavement (loss of a loved one) are very similar to depression and they can be confused if not properly distinguished. Medical conditions, psychotic disorders, substance-related problems also have to be taken in account and ruled out as direct causes of depression.
When referring to depression in this course, we are referring to clinical depression. There are three main types of clinical depression. Following is a brief description of each one. There are other depressive disorders as well. They are listed below. For additional information visit the links provided.
Major depression (unipolar): A combination of symptoms that interfere with ability to sleep, eat, work, study, socialize and enjoy life.
Dysthymia: Dysthymia is characterized by prolonged sadness. It is chronic and low-grade. Many of the symptoms are the same as clinical depression, but they are less intense, last much longer (at least 2 years), and don’t disable like major depression. The focus of this disorder is more on thoughts than on actions. People with dysthymia often feel they are “going through the motions” and they do not enjoy their life.
Bipolar disorder (also manic depression): Bipolar is characterized by intense episodes of elation (mania) and despair (depression), with any combination of mood experiences in between (including normal mood). Bipolar disorder is not as prevalent as other depressive disorders (2-3% of the population).
Other types of depressive disorders include:
Postpartum depression (PPD)
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
For more information on depression & symptoms of depression go to:
Now that we have looked at what depression is, let’s look at what depression is not.
Depression is not a character flaw.
Depression is not a sign of a weak personality or that one cannot cope.
Depression is not a moral weakness.
Depression is not something a person can just “snap out of.”
Depression is not “just all in your head.”
Depression is not caused by a single factor.
Depression is not a natural part of aging.
Depression is not untreatable.
Depression is not something to be ashamed of.
Depression is not a label to be used to define a person. An individual can be suffering from an illness, but they are not that illness. This distinction helps to separate people from the problem, and it makes it easier to see the problem for what it is.
Understanding what depression is and what it is not brings us to the good news: The good news is—there is hope for depression. Whether it’s been going on for many years or it’s the first time ever, there is hope. Depression is treatable. The symptoms of depression can be alleviated and a new perspective on life can be attained. It begins with hope that things can get better and they will. In the upcoming lessons we will learn that there are many things that can be done to overcome and prevent depression.
Self-assessment screening tools can be used to help you determine if you need to see a mental health professional for the diagnosis and treatment of depression. They are not to be used in place of a professional diagnosis.
