Depression is unquestionably a major health issue in our society today. A new study shines a bright light on it, too, stating that more than 10% of the population will experience the psychological illness at some point. And that represents only those who are clinically diagnosed, leaving aside all the people who suffer depressive feelings. If we were to add these individuals into the equation the percentage would be much greater.
The study, which was conducted as a nationwide survey, showed for the first time that middle-aged adults are more likely to experience depression than are younger adults. Researchers defined depression as lasting for at least two weeks and involving at least five symptoms of the illness during that time. Not surprisingly, individuals with low income or those who’ve experienced marital problems are more likely to suffer from depression. Of more than 43,000 adults, they found that more than 13% had experienced major depression in their lifetime.
So, as all these depressed feelings swirl around society, how do you know if you’re experiencing it? After all, every one of us feels “down” once in a while. It’s important to know that this is normal and doesn’t constitute clinical depression. What differentiates the two? Well, besides a doctor saying so, the following list describes common symptoms among depressed patients (that go beyond feeling sad):
– Loss of interest in daily activities — Fluctuating appetite — Endless fatigue — Depressed feelings that are persistent for weeks, not days — Feel sad, helpless, hopeless, or have crying episodes — Lack of concentration — Low self-esteem — Lost libido — Sleep problems — Slow body movements — Significant weight gain or weight loss
Researchers found a few important tidbits of information while conducting the study. For example, the risk of depression increases dramatically between the ages of 12 and 16, and gradually rises until the early 40s. Nearly 50% of depressed people had said they wanted to die, and alcohol, drugs, smoking, and anxiety disorders were frequently linked to it all.
The hard-and-fast rule is that you need to see a doctor if you suspect you have depression. Not depressed feelings that last a couple days, but actual depression whether it is either mild or severe. Also know that drugs aren’t the only options available to you. Complementary and alternative medicine offers the following possibilities that can help relieve depressive symptoms:
– St. Johns Wort: This herb is your best natural option. There are plenty of good studies that have found benefits, such as improvements in mood, for depressed patients.
– DHEA: This is a hormone that your body makes on its own, but it is also found in supplement form (made from substances found in soy). DHEA has been found to cut depressive symptoms by 50%.
– Ginkgo Biloba: A well-known herb, it has shown to improve depression in clinical study. Ginkgo is sometimes used for “resistant depression” — the kind that is unresponsive to drugs or St. John’s wort.
– SAMe: This amino acid affects your serotonin and dopamine levels, which are thought to elevate mood and improve symptoms of depression. It may be faster for overcoming depression than mainstream drugs such as SSRIs and Prozac.
It’s important to consult with your doctor first before taking any medication for depression. Always follow label directions for any supplement you try. Trying yoga or relaxation therapies might also help you cope with day-to- day symptoms of depression.
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