Many people who suffer from depression are not diagnosed and do not even realise it themselves. This article explains what depression is, the forms it can take and the people it can affect.
It has been suggested that up to two thirds of people who suffer from depression do not seek treatment, or receive the right treatment from health professionals, because
- Their symptoms are not recognised as depression
- Depressed people are regarded as weak or lazy.
- Social stigma causes people to avoid the treatment they need.
- The symptoms suffered by the person are so disabling that they are unable to seek help.
- Individual symptoms are treated instead of the underlying cause.
- Many of the symptoms are misdiagnosed as physical problems.
Psychological Symptoms
Typical psychological symptoms of depression include:
- Lack of motivation.
- Continuous low mood or sadness.
- Feeling irritable and intolerant of others.
- Lack of enjoyment in previously enjoyable activities.
- Feeling anxious or worried.
- Low self-esteem.
- Feelings of helplessness and hopelessness.
- Difficulty in making decisions.
- Suicidal thoughts or thoughts of harming others.
- Reduced sex drive.
- Feelings of guilt.
- Tearfulness
Physical Symptoms
Typical physical symptoms of depression include:
- Change in appetite and weight loss or weight gain.
- Lack of energy.
- Slowed movement or speech.
- Changes to the menstrual cycle (in women).
- Constipation.
- Lack of interest in sex
- Unexplained aches and pains.
Social Symptoms
Typical social symptoms of depression include:
- Reduced contact with friends.
- Less interest in hobbies and activities.
- Decrease in performance at work.
- Difficulties in home and family life.
- Taking part in fewer social activities.
Who is affected?
Depression affects people of all ages and from all walks of life. It has been found that women are twice as likely as men to be affected: although men do still suffer from the condition, they are less likely to admit to feeling depressed. Instead they tend to describe the physical aspects of depression rather than the emotional.
Depression in women
It is believed that many hormonal factors contribute to the increased occurrence of depression in women. Factors such as pregnancy, pre-menopause, menopause, miscarriage, and menstrual changes are likely to contribute towards the condition. The pressures of work and family responsibilities can also be a contributory factor.
Depression after the birth of a child is also common, due to the physical and hormonal changes which occur. The extra responsibility of caring for a new baby on top of existing stresses can lead to depression and therefore requires active intervention. In this case, emotional support from family and treatment from a sympathetic physician if necessary, are vital in helping a new mother recover her physical and mental well-being, and help her to care for her baby.
Depression in men
Although men are less likely to suffer from depression compared to women, approximately 3 million men are still affected. Due to the differences in physical symptoms of depression in men and women, doctors are less likely to diagnose depression in male patients. Despite the depression rate being lower, men however are around four times more likely to commit suicide than women. This figure rises further after the age of 70. The symptoms of depression in men differ from those in women due to the way they appear irritable or angry rather than feeling hopeless or helpless. Despite recognising the symptoms of depression, men are often less likely to seek treatment due to the stereotypical view that depression is a “women’s disease”. Support from family and friends can therefore be an important factor in assisting men to understand that it is an illness, which needs to be treated.
Depression in children
Mental health professionals have only taken childhood depression seriously in the last 20 years. As with many conditions, it is not regarded as being the result of one specific cause; instead a number of factors, such as neglect, trauma, or the loss of a parent can contribute towards the condition. A family history of depression may also increase a child’s risk. It is common for children with depression to suffer from other mental health conditions such as disruptive behaviour disorder, or bipolar disorder. It is believed children suffering with depression are also at a higher risk of substance abuse in adolescence or adulthood.
Depression in the elderly
Depression in elderly people often becomes more common in the decade following retirement, due to the dramatic changes that occur; the adapting to a new routine in life, and sometimes moving to a care home can be difficult to adjust to. As people age, the loss of a partner and friends, as well as a loss of mobility and other health problems, can also contribute towards the onset of depression.
It is important that the symptoms of depression in the elderly are recognised and treated appropriately, as the condition can often lead to a long period of misery and, in some cases, suicide, from an illness which could be easily treated.
This article has been put together by the distance learning organisation Start Learning who are experts in home study. If you want to find out more about Counselling and Psychotherapy or many other distance learning courses please browse their website: http://www.start-learning.co.uk
A good way to find out more about Counselling and Psychotherapy is to sign up for a distance learning course on the subject. By studying in your free time and pace, you can gain the necessary knowledge while tailoring it to suit your schedule.
Kerrana McAvoy
Academic Director – Start Learning
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