10 Facts You Need to Know About Depression

Maybe you have had to deal with depression yourself or know someone who has battles depression, either way you know it's not something to be taken lightly. In face, some people say depression is the silent killer, because on the surface it can be difficult to tell if someone is struggling with it, especially if they can fake it or cover it up well.

Now there is more bad news around depression. According to a recent Blue Cross Blue Shield report, the number of depression cases around the country is on the rise among all age groups but is rising fastest among teens and young adults. Some people say it’s technology and increased screen time that is to blame. Others believe it’s due to the hurried and busy lives we all lead. The other thing some people aren’t aware of is that you might be more susceptible to depression if it runs in your family or if you have certain medical conditions. In addition to an extensive psychiatric interview, your doctor might run certain medical tests to check thyroid function, B-12 and folate levels, sleep studies (if sleep apnea is suspected), EEG (if seizure disorder is suspected), drug screen, and EKG.

Trying to hide or ignore depression won’t make it go away; in fact, it will only make it worse. The only way to get better is to get help, whether that’s psychotherapy, medication or a combination of both. How can you spot the signs of depression? What are the real facts about this psychiatric condition that affects children, adults and geriatric alike?

Here are ten things you may not know about depression, but knowing the facts is the first step to recovery.

It’s more than just feeling sad

Many people think depression is just feeling sad. It’s much more involved than that. Other symptoms of depression include psychomotor activity changes, sleep disturbances, loss of interest in pleasurable activities, guilt and feelings of hopelessness, decreased energy, trouble concentrating, appetite changes, and suicidal thoughts or attempts.

Depression impacts more people than you think

One out of six people will develop clinical depression in their lifetime. It affects 121 million people worldwide. One out of ten mothers develop postpartum depression. Chances are you know someone with depression, even if you aren’t aware of it.

Depression kills

35,000 people commit suicide each year due to their depression. Depressed individuals are five times more likely to commit suicide. The longer the depression goes without the right treatment, the more likely suicide becomes.

Depression is costly

On average, people who suffer depression can lose $10,400 per year by age 50.

When it comes to depression or any type of mental illness, know the facts, learn the warning signs and symptoms, and remember how important it is to get the right help. You can go on to live a happy, fulfilling and successful life despite this condition."

Trying to hide or ignore depression won’t make it go away; in fact, it will only make it worse. The only way to get better is to get help, whether that’s psychotherapy, medication or a combination of both."

It can take time to get the right treatment

The initial antidepressant leads to remission in only one out of three patients with depression. When treating depression with antidepressants a ten – 12-week trial is necessary to achieve remission. The dose and the combination of medicine that gets you better keeps you better and should be continued for maintenance therapy for at least one year.

Cutting-edge new treatment

While there are many great options to treat depression like medication and therapy, some people don’t get better. For these hard-to-treat cases, IV Ketamine therapy is showing great promise, helping patients feel better within 24 hours of the initial treatment. Ketamine has been an anesthetic for many years and is now being used to help treat several psychiatric conditions.

Depression affects children as well

The average age of onset of major depression is 32; however, one out of ten adolescents will have a depressive disorder by the age of 18. Compared to adults, children with depression may be more likely to present with temper tantrums, somatic complaints, social withdrawal or mood lability.

You can lead a very successful life despite depression

Some famous people who have had depression are Oprah Winfrey, Brad Pitt, Billy Joel, J.K. Rowling, Charles Darwin, Eric Clapton, Buzz Aldrin, Terry Bradshaw, and Calvin Coolidge.

Substance abuse

There is a high rate of co-morbid substance abuse in major depression. Often it’s necessary to treat the depression first even though ideally you would like the patient to stop abusing substances before treating depression. If the substance abuse is not treated, remission of depression is unlikely and recurrences of both more common.

There is no shame in having depression

Many people are afraid to seek treatment for fear of what others might think. Conditions of the brain are no different than conditions of the heart or any other organ in the body. There’s no need to suffer.

When it comes to depression or any type of mental illness, know the facts, learn the warning signs and symptoms, and remember how important it is to get the right help. You can go on to live a happy, fulfilling and successful life despite this condition.

Written by Prakash Masand M.D.

Prakash Masand M.D. is a psychiatrist and the founder of the Centers of Psychiatric Excellence.