What is depression?

Or Am I depressed? may be questions you have thought before.  Let's answer them.

"Everyone feels sad sometimes."

I've heard that sentence so many times that it starts to lose its meaning.  I get why they say it, I do.  It can be comforting to know that you are not alone in suffering.  But sometimes I fear people use this phrase as a way to dismiss symptoms that could be a sign of a more serious disorder.  But how can you tell the difference between regular old down-in-the-dumps and real live mental illness?  

I like to turn to the good, old DSM-IV.  (Though, in order to get a diagnosis or serious treatment options for any condition, visit to a psychiatrist or psychologist) 

WHAT IS DEPRESSION?
Well, that isn't as simple of a question as it might seem. 

There are lots of different kinds of depression, you see, and they all have different causes, which means different treatments.  Let's focus on the biggy, Major Depressive Disorder.  (For further information of other types of depression, visit the link below).  In simple speech, it's a mental illness that is characterized by lows. Low mood, low self-esteem, low interest.  The experience is different for everyone, but for me, it is kind of like having your favorite band break up, and your favorite TV show canceled, and stubbing your toe REALLY hard all in the same day, except to the power of 100.  And that is what everyday feels like.  Needless to say, it is kind of a rough condition. So how do we tell if we've got it?

AM I DEPRESSED?Major Depressive Disorder requires two or more major depressive episodes.
Diagnostic criteria:
Depressed mood and/or loss of interest or pleasure in life activities for at least 2 weeks and at least five of the following symptoms that cause clinically signification impairment in social, work, or other important areas of functioning almost every day
1.  Depressed mood most of the day.
2.  Diminished interest or pleasure in all or most activities.
3.  Significant unintentional weight loss or gain.
4.  Insomnia or sleeping too much.
5.  Agitation or psychomotor retardation noticed by others.
6.  Fatigue or loss of energy.
7.  Feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt.
8.  Diminished ability to think or concentrate, or indecisiveness.
9.  Recurring thoughts of death.

Easy enough, right?

So if it looks like you may have the beast, call a doc.  Depression doesn't feel too nice to have, but luckily, it is one of the most treatable conditions.

For more information on other types of depression and for source information visit: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK64063/

Hope this helps us all see tomorrow.