Depression in Men
Depression is a loaded word in our culture. Many associate it, however
wrongly, with a sign of weakness and excessive emotion. This is especially true
with men. Depressed men are less likely than women to acknowledge feelings of
self-loathing and hopelessness. Instead, they tend to complain about fatigue,
irritability, sleep problems, and loss of interest in work and hobbies. Other
signs and symptoms of depression in men include anger, aggression, violence,
reckless behavior, and substance abuse. Even though depression rates for women
are twice as high as those in men, men are a higher suicide risk, especially
older men.
Depression in Women
Rates of depression in women are twice as high as they are in men. This is
due in part to hormonal factors, particularly when it comes to Premenstrual
Syndrome (PMS), Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD), postpartum depression,
and per menopausal depression. As for signs and symptoms, women are more likely
than men to experience pronounced feelings of guilt, sleep excessively,
overeat, and gain weight. Women are also more likely to suffer from seasonal
affective disorder.
Depression in Teens
While some depressed teens appear sad, others do not. In fact,
irritability—rather than depression—is frequently the predominant symptom in
depressed adolescents and teens. A depressed teenager may be hostile, grumpy,
or easily lose his or her temper. Unexplained aches and pains are also common
symptoms of depression in young people.Left untreated, teen depression can lead to problems at home and school, drug abuse, self-loathing—even irreversible tragedy such as homicidal violence or suicide. But with help, teenage depression is highly treatable.
Depression in Older Adults
The difficult changes that many older adults face—such as bereavement, loss
of independence, and health problems—can lead to depression, especially in
those without a strong support system. However, depression is not a normal part
of aging. Older adults tend to complain more about the physical rather than the
emotional signs and symptoms of depression, and so the problem often goes
unrecognized. Depression in older adults is associated with poor health, a high
mortality rate, and an increased risk of suicide, so diagnosis and treatment
are extremely important.
Postpartum Depression
Many new mothers suffer from some fleeting form of the “baby blues.” Postpartum
depression, in contrast, is a longer lasting and more serious depression
triggered, in part, by hormonal changes associated with having a baby.
Postpartum depression usually develops soon after delivery, but any depression
that occurs within six months of childbirth may be postpartum depression.
Next up we
consider the most common types of depression people often face:
TYPES OF DEPRESSION
Depression comes in many shapes and forms. The different types of depression have unique symptoms, causes, and effects. Knowing what type of depression you have can help you manage your symptoms and get the most effective treatment.
Major
Depression
Major depression is characterized by the inability to enjoy life and
experience pleasure. The symptoms are constant, ranging from moderate to
severe. Left untreated, major depression typically lasts for about six months.
Some people experience just a single depressive episode in their lifetime, but
more commonly, major depression is a recurring disorder. However, there are
many things you can do to support your mood and reduce the risk of recurrence.
Dysthymia (recurrent, mild
depression)
Dysthmia is a type of chronic “low-grade” depression. More days than not,
you feel mildly or moderately depressed, although you may have brief periods of
normal mood. The symptoms of dysthymia are not as strong as the symptoms of
major depression, but they last a long time (at least two years). These chronic
symptoms make it very difficult to live life to the fullest or to remember
better times. Some people also experience major depressive episodes on top of
dysthymia, a condition known as “double depression.” If you suffer from dysthymia,
you may feel like you’ve always been depressed. Or you may think that your
continuous low mood is “just the way you are.” However, dysthymia can be
treated, even if your symptoms have gone unrecognized or untreated for years.
Bipolar
Disorder: When Depression is Just One Side of the Coin
Bipolar disorder, also known as manic depression, is characterized by
cycling mood changes. Episodes of depression alternate with manic episodes,
which can include impulsive behavior, hyperactivity, rapid speech, and little
or no sleep. Typically, the switch from one mood extreme to the other is
gradual, with each manic or depressive episode lasting for at least several
weeks. When depressed, a person with bipolar disorder exhibits the usual
symptoms of major depression. However, the treatments for bipolar depression
are very different. In fact, antidepressants can make bipolar depression worse.
DEPRESSION
CAUSES AND RISK FACTORS
Some illnesses have a specific
medical cause, making treatment straightforward. If you have diabetes, you take
insulin. If you have appendicitis, you have surgery. Depression, however, is
more complicated. Depression is not just the result of a chemical imbalance in
the brain, and it’s not simply cured with medication. Experts believe that
depression is caused by a combination of biological, psychological, and social
factors. In other words, your lifestyle choices relationships and coping skills
matter just as much—if not more so—than genetics. However, certain risk factors
make you more vulnerable to depression.
CAUSES AND RISK FACTORS FOR DEPRESSION
- Loneliness
- Lack of social support
- Recent stressful life experiences
- Family history of depression
- Marital or relationship problems
- Financial strain
- Early childhood trauma or abuse
- Alcohol or drug abuse
- Unemployment or underemployment
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