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About Depression
 Clinical depression is a debilitating illness resulting from
changes in brain chemistry. These changes are caused by a host
of complex factors - one's family history, biochemical vulnerability,
chronic stress, emotional and psychological make-up, or life's
traumatic experiences such as divorce, death of a loved one,
domestic violence, or unemployment.
This illness knows no boundaries - it affects people of any
age, race, gender, or religious affiliation. National Institute
of Mental Health studies indicate that clinical depression strikes
10 - 20 million Americans each year - 1 out of 4 women and 1
out of 10 men will suffer at least one depressive episode in
their lives. Depression appears in various forms, duration and
severity. Some people have one episode of depression in their
lifetime; others have recurrent episodes. Some people suffer
debilitating symptoms, are unable to function, and may need to
be hospitalized; others suffer ongoing milder symptoms.
Physicians and mental health professionals are able to diagnose
clinical depression by specific behavioral and psychological
symptoms. Any individual experiencing 4 or more of the following
symptoms for more than two consecutive weeks should see a physician
or mental health professional as soon as possible for a full
physical and psychological evaluation:
- Depressed mood, persisting for 2 weeks or more;
- Feelings of sadness or anxiety;
- Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or hopelessness;
- Significant changes in eating or sleeping patterns;
- Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed;
- Decreased energy or chronic fatigue;
- Difficulty concentrating or making decisions;
- Slowed movements or inability to sit still; or
- Thoughts of death or suicide.
 A
combination of psychotherapy and medication is frequently used
to treat depression and has proven effective in 80% of cases.
Several types of psychotherapy have been found to be effective
in successfully managing and treating depression. Medication
can give hope to those with depression who have not responded
to other forms of treatment and enable them to gain much more
from the psychotherapy in which they may be involved and to live
more manageable and productive lives.
This information provided by the American Association of
Pastoral Counselors.
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