Recognizing depression’s signs vital to dealing with condition
Q. How do I know if I’m really depressed? A. Dr. Ron Lobo, one of the psychiatrists at Chestnut Ridge Counseling Services Inc., said the essential features of major depression are either the feeling of a depressed mood or the loss of interest or pleasure in all activities. These feelings continue most of the day and nearly every day.
Lobo said other symptoms of depression include:
– Inability to sleep or sleeping too much.
– Increase or decrease in appetite.
– Significant weight loss when not dieting.
– Fatigue.
– Feelings of worthlessness.
– Inappropriate guilt.
– Diminished ability to think or indecisiveness.
“The most serious consequence of depression is attempted or completed suicide,” Lobo said. “Depression can cause significant impairment in functioning in the work place, at home and at school.
“People with depression have less satisfying social interactions, may have marital problems such as divorce, may lose a job or may fail at school,” he added. “They may tend to isolate themselves, reject help or may even not know that they need help. Depression can occur at any age. It usually develops over days or weeks.”
Depression is a treatable condition, according to Lobo. Various medications can be prescribed to treat the condition. In some cases, counseling or psychotherapy may be needed to address the reason why people are depressed. Early identification and treatment of symptoms may prevent the development of a full depressive episode.
Lobo said the treatment of depression might take many months or sometimes even years.
“With treatment, depression tends to remit,” he said. “However, depression is not a benign disorder. If it is not adequately treated, patients tend to have a relapse. Thus, it is important that the treatment of depression continue until your physician has determined that your medication or psychotherapy can be reduced or even stopped.”
Anyone who has additional questions about depression is asked to contact his/her doctor, mental health professional, Chestnut Ridge Counseling Services Inc. at 724-437-0729 or the 24-hour crisis line at 724-437-1003.