Kids get depressed, just like adults do. Roughly 5% of children and adolescents in the general population suffer from depression at any given point in time. Although childhood depression may not occur quite as frequently as adolescent or adult depression, it’s still a serious disorder that needs to be addressed. Childhood depression is defined as an illness when extreme feelings of sadness become persistent and interfere with the child’s ability to function.

What Causes Childhood Depression?

As with depression that develops later in life, childhood depression is probably isn’t caused by one specific factor. Rather, it usually develops in response to a number of conditions that come together at the same time. There are certain risk factors that may predispose one child to develop depression over another child. A family history of depression or mental illness is a strong risk factor for childhood depression. Childhood abuse, chronic illness, or the loss of a close loved one (such as a parent or sibling) could all potentially lead to depression. Childhood depression could also be due to a chemical imbalance in the brain which interferes with the body’s natural ability to regulate emotions and moods.

Recognizing the Signs of Childhood Depression

Childhood depression can be difficult to diagnose because children often find it difficult to express their emotions. In many cases, children do not yet fully understand the complex emotions they are feeling. They may simply appear quiet and aloof, when in fact they are truly depressed. Common symptoms of childhood depression include frequent sadness and crying, hopelessness, loss of interest in toys and daily activities, persistent boredom, low energy levels, extreme changes in sleeping patterns, appetite changes, withdrawal from social situations, low self-esteem, strong feelings of guilt, hypersensitivity to rejection, irritability, anger, frequent headaches or stomachaches, poor concentration, self-destructive behavior, and talk of running away from home.
Children and adolescents who are seen as “troublemakers” may actually be suffering from depression. Acting out in a rebellious manner may be an attempt to mask feelings of despair and sadness. They may not always exhibit sadness, but when asked directly, they may state that they are in fact unhappy.

Treating Childhood Depression

Unlike depression in adults, childhood depression is rarely treated with medication, as most doctors are reluctant to medicate minds that are still developing. Therapy is the method of treatment most often used to help children who suffer from depression. It can be used to help kids understand and resolve their problems, and to make positive changes in their lives. There are several types of therapy that can be used to treat childhood depression.
The choice of therapy may be based on the personality of the child, the severity of the symptoms, or the cause of the depression. Here’s a look at a few therapy methods frequently used to treat childhood depression.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy can be used to help improve a child’s mood and behavior. With this type of therapy, the child can learn to understand the cause of their depression and better ways to cope with their feelings.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy

This particular therapy is especially useful for older children and teens which may be experiencing suicidal feelings or thoughts. Dialectical behavioral therapy helps tham learn to take responsibility for their problems and work out better ways to resolve their dilemmas.

Family Therapy

Family therapy helps the child recover from depression by helping the family to interact in more positive and constructive ways. Family therapy session can involve the child as well as parents, siblings, grandparents, cousins, and other family members in the child’s immediate support group.

Group Therapy

Group therapy allows children to connect with a group of peers in an effort to improve their social skills and increase their understanding of their symptoms. This type of therapy is helpful for children who feel isolated or alone, or who have difficulty interacting with other children due to their symptoms

Play Therapy

Play therapy is a very useful method of treating depression in children. It involves the use of toys, blocks, dolls, puppets, drawings and games to help the child identify and communicate their feelings in a non-threatening manner. The therapist can observe the child’s behavior during play to identify patterns of negative feelings or emotions. The therapist can then use the same play toys to help the child learn better ways to manage their feelings and behavior.

Drama Therapy

Children love to use their imaginations, and drama therapy capitalizes on this skill by helping children “act out” their feelings and emotions thereby learning better ways to cope with their problems. Drama therapy can also be a useful tool for helping children to understand the source of their depression.

Childhood Depression and Related Disorders

Childhood depression often occurs in conjunction with other mental illnesses and conditions. Attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder, learning disorders, eating disorders, and disorders that involve self-mutilation are commonly associated with childhood depression.

The rates of depression worldwide have begun to reach epidemic numbers. Roughly eight million people in North America suffer from the condition, with major depression and bipolar disorder listed as the most frequent diagnoses. In most cases, these conditions first begin to develop or display their symptoms in the teenage years, and most mental health experts agree that early recognition of these conditions will have profound effects on later morbidity and mortality.

The suicide rate for adolescents has increased more than 200% over the last ten years. The latest statistics show that more than 20% of teens in the general population suffer from emotional problems and one-third of adolescents attending psychiatric clinics suffer from depression. Yet, adolescent depression is often misdiagnosed or undiagnosed, leading to problems with school, work and personal relationships. The good news is that the vast majority of adolescent depression can be successfully managed with early treatment and the appropriate support.

Adolescent Depression: The Symptoms

Depression in adolescence exhibits the same symptoms as it does in adults. However, teens may show their symptoms differently than adults do. For instance, persistent sadness, hopelessness and helplessness are common symptoms of depression. A teen may not outwardly talk of these feelings, but they may wear black clothing, write morbid poetry, or draw disturbing pictures to project their feelings. Sleep disturbances are another common symptom of depression, and in teens this may often be overlooked as laziness. Teens that continually miss classes and avoid hanging out with friends may be experiencing the lack of energy, apathy, and reduced motivation that is associated with depression. Appetite changes can lead to the development of eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia. Poor performance in school could be due to concentration problems and slowed cognitive thinking. Substance abuse and malicious rebellion may also be signs of adolescent depression.

Adolescent Depression: The Diagnosis

Adolescent depression is often difficult to catch and diagnose unless parents and health care providers are paying careful attention. The teenage years are full of emotional turmoil, mood swings, pessimism, intense drama, and hypersensitivity. Many parents, teachers, and doctors come to expect rebellion and experimentation from teens and they may miss signs of a true clinical depression. Therefore, the teen’s entire support system must work together to assess personality changes, stress levels, and any other obvious symptoms which could indicate that the teen is depressed.

Adolescent Depression: The Treatment

There are two main methods of treatment for depression in both adults and adolescents: therapy and medication. Depending upon the intensity of the symptoms, one or both of these treatment methods may be needed.

Therapy is a good starting point for treating adolescent depression. It can help teens understand why they’re depressed and how they can better cope with stressful situations. Depending on the situation, treatment may consist of individual, group or family counseling. Therapy often helps teens to change their negative patterns of thinking and behavior, and develop healthier relationships both at home and at school.

Usually, medication is reserved for severe cases of adolescent depression which have not responded to therapy alone. The teenage brain is still developing, and many mental health specialists are reluctant to add medication if it is not truly necessary. Traditional anti-depressant drugs generally are poorly tolerated by teenagers because of the common side effects, including drowsiness, sedation and anticholinergic action. However, in extreme instances, medication may be used to reduce or alleviate symptoms, especially when the danger of suicide is present.

Adolescent Depression: The Risk of Suicide

It’s not uncommon for teens to be preoccupied with death. For many young people, the teenage years are the first time the fully become aware of their own mortality and that of others. They may begin to contemplate the effect of their own death, or that of their friends and family members. This propensity for morbidity, combined with a bout of adolescent depression greatly increases the risk of teenage suicide.

As mentioned earlier, the teenage years are full of turmoil. Often, adults may overlook the latest “crises” in their teen’s life as a yet another insignificant event. However, to a teen, especially one who is suffering from depression, this insignificant event may seem insurmountable. Problems with a boyfriend or girlfriend, a poor grade on a test, or an embarrassing event at school could push a depressed teen over the edge. Personality changes, social withdraw, or talk of suicide should all be taken very seriously as possible indicators of depression and suicide.

If a depressed adolescent can recognize the need for help, it’s a major step toward their recovery. However, it may be especially difficult for teens to reach out for help. Encouragement from a teacher, a friend, or a family member may be just the thing to help them see their depression as the illness that it is.

Depression comes in many different forms and varieties. The most common types of depression include major depression, dysthymic depression, bipolar disorder, atypical depression, psychotic depression, and postpartum depression. The intensity, duration and cause of symptoms are often used to distinguish the many different types of depression and determine the most appropriate treatment method.

Major Depression

Major depression, or clinical depression, is the most common type of depression. It’s also considered one of the most serious types of depression based on the quantity and severity of its symptoms. When a person becomes severely depressed for a period longer than two weeks, they are said to have major depression. It’s characterized by extreme sadness, guilt, hopelessness and helplessness. Fatigue, sleep disorders, appetite changes, and loss of interest in daily activities are also common signs of major depression. Major depression can be caused by a childhood trauma, a life-changing event, a chronic illness, certain medications, or chronic stress and anxiety.

Dysthymic Depression

Mild depression is often referred to as dysthymic depression. The symptoms are not as severe as those that are often associated with major depression, but they still may require treatment, therapy, and possibly medication. With dysthymia or dysthymic depression, the sufferer may experience infrequent or recurrent episodes of depression.

Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder is characterized by extreme emotional mood swings as well as a variety of other symptoms that distinguish it from other forms of depression. This condition is also referred to as manic depression or manic-depressive illness to describe the two extremes of mood and personality changes which usually accompany it. The sufferer will experience extreme highs in mood and personality characterized by restlessness, insomnia, extreme happiness, exaggerated self-confidence, and hyperactivity. This manic episode would then be followed by extreme lows in personality and mood exhibiting extreme sadness, lethargy, guilt, and loss of interest in life or daily activities. The roller coaster of ups and downs is caused by an imbalance in the sufferer’s brain chemistry. In roughly 8% of cases, bipolar disorder can be treated with the appropriate medications.

Atypical Depression

Atypical depression occurs most frequently in women. It’s an intermittent depression that may fluctuate in both severity and duration. Common symptoms include oversleeping, low self-esteem, overeating, and a hypersensitivity to rejection.

Psychotic Depression

Approximately 15% of individuals who suffer from major depression also experience psychotic depression. This type of depression is characterized by episodes during which the sufferer hears voices in their head; has visions or hallucinations, and experiences delusional thinking. People who suffer from psychotic depression have lost contact with reality and therefore cannot judge the consequences of their actions. These individuals therefore are in need of immediate medical treatment before they become a danger to themselves or others.

Postpartum Depression

Postpartum depression is a form of major depression that occurs in new mothers immediately after the birth of a baby. About 10% of new mothers suffer from this condition. It can last anywhere from several days to several months after the birth of the child, if not properly treated. Common symptoms include helplessness, hopelessness, guilt, sadness, lack of confidence in mothering abilities, and a deeply rooted conviction that something is wrong with the baby or that something bad will happen to the baby.

Seasonal Affective Disorder

Also known as seasonal depression or simply, SAD, this type of depression is a form of major depression that fluctuates with the seasons. It most often includes a depressive period in the fall and winter months. Because the frequency of this type of depression increases in direct proportion to increases in latitude, mental health experts surmise that seasonal affective disorder is linked to the amount of available sunlight. Common symptoms include extreme irritability, sadness, and fatigue along with over sleeping and over eating. This type of depression is usually cured by the arrival of spring and the lengthening of the daylight hours. However, some sufferers are so affected by seasonal affective disorder that they manage their symptoms with medications or light therapy during the fall and winter.

Cyclothymic Disorder

Cyclothymic disorder is a mild form of depression that is similar to bipolar disorder, with less frequency and severity. It’s characterized by alternating mood swings of highs and lows that are not severe or debilitating enough to interfere with daily activities. Often, a person with cyclothymic disorder may later develop bipolar disorder if their condition is left untreated.

Postnatal Depression (PND)

This type of depression is similar to postpartum depression, however rather than developing as a result of the hormonal imbalances of childbirth, postnatal depression usually develops as a result of the pressures and responsibilities of new motherhood. The hormonal upheaval of motherhood and lactation combined with physical exhaustion, loss of independence, financial pressures, and a strained marital relationship are all potential causes of postnatal depression.

Seasonal depression, or seasonal affective disorder (SAD), is a unique kind of depression that occurs each year during the same season. Most often, it starts in the fall or winter and ends in spring or early summer. This disorder was first identified fifteen years ago by Norman Rosenthal, M.D. at the National Institute of Mental Health. Also known as the “the winter blues,” or “cabin fever,” seasonal depression is often disregarded as a figment of the imagination. However, it’s a very real and debilitating condition, but one that can be managed with appropriate treatment.

What Are the Symptoms of Seasonal Depression?

The symptoms of seasonal depression are similar to those of other types of depression, except that they only occur during certain periods of the year. Physical symptoms include fatigue, restlessness, food cravings, increased appetite and weight gain, difficulties sleeping, and lack of energy. Emotional and cognitive symptoms include extreme sadness, anxiety, irritability, loss of interest in usual activities, withdrawal from social activities, and inability to concentrate. The severity and frequency of symptoms can vary from person to person, and may even change from day to day.

Why Does Seasonal Depression Occur?

Health care specialists are still unsure of the exact cause of seasonal depression. But many believe that it is influenced by the availability of sunlight. One theory suggests that as available sunlight decreases in the fall and winter, the internal regulation of sleep, and hormones are delayed, running more slowly than usual. Another theory is that a chemical imbalance in the brain causes the symptoms of seasonal depression. In both instances, it is believed that exposure to light can correct these imbalances.

Who Gets Seasonal Depression?

Roughly 5% of the population in the United States is affected by seasonal depression. About 70-80% of those affected are women. Seasonal depression can occur at any age, even in childhood; however, it usually develops between one’s twenties and forties. The incidence of seasonal depression increases as latitude increases, although this does not hold true for the poles.

Are You Affected by Seasonal Depression?

If you think you or someone you love is affected by seasonal depression, seek the advice of a health care professional. Don’t try to diagnose it yourself. Your doctor can evaluate your condition and help you determine if it’s truly seasonal depression or if it’s a sign of a larger physical or mental condition.

How Is Seasonal Depression Treated?

The most common and effective method of treatment for seasonal depression is light therapy, or phototherapy. During a light therapy treatment, the patient sits approximately two to three feet away from a light device that consists of white fluorescent light tubes covered with a plastic screen. The intensity of the light should be at least 10,000 Lux in order to be effective. Light therapy is very safe and is usually well tolerated by most patients. Treatments are usually performed in the morning for thirty minute sessions. Many patients notice dramatic improvement within a few days, but symptoms tend to rebound quickly with the discontinuation of treatment. Side effects may include eye strain, headache, fatigue, and insomnia. It’s best to use a commercial light box made specifically for this type of treatment. Unfiltered ultraviolet light can damage the skin and eyes. Light boxes designed specificallyfor this purpose are available without a prescription for $300-$600.

In severe cases of seasonal depression, antidepressants may also be prescribed. SSRI (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) such as Paxil and Zoloft have had some success in relieving the symptoms of seasonal depression. For some people, it’s easier to take a pill than to invest the time, energy, and money required for light therapy.

Other Ways to Care for Yourself

If you are prone to developing seasonal depression, there are several steps you can take to prevent the onset of the condition and to care for yourself while you’re most vulnerable. A healthy diet, exercise, and daily exposure to light can help to alleviate and manage seasonal depression.

• Diet: A well-balanced diet should contain each of the forty nutrients that your body needs on a daily basis. These vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients help to boost energy levels and regulate mood.
• Exercise: Regular and consistent exercise can help to improve circulation, and move waste and nutrients through the system more quickly. It also boosts energy levels, improves sleep, and strengthens the immune system, and improves overall health.
• Light Exposure: Even before you notice the symptoms of seasonal depression you should begin to manage your exposure to light, whether it’s from natural or artificial sources. Spend time outdoors; even if it’s cloudy, you will still reap the benefits of exposure to daylight. And you can also begin using a light box before your symptoms develop, in order to reduce their severity or possibly prevent their onset altogether.

In the deepest, darkest moments of despair, many of us have felt a nagging call to “end it all.” But, even when we feel trapped in that dark place, there remains a hope that things could get better, a small hesitation or indecision about such a drastic measure…

Suicidal thoughts and tendencies are not an indication of a flawed or weak personality. They’re a response to intense and chronic pain that’s no longer bearable. If you or someone you love is suicidal, YOU NEED TO GET HELP NOW. Here’s why:

We all have different methods for coping with stress and pain. And there are huge differences in the amount of pain that each of us can withstand. This is true of both physical pain and emotional pain. So if you’re thinking about ending your life in response to emotional pain, it doesn’t make you better or worse than any other person. You’ve simply exceeded your threshold for pain. It’s very important for you to know that it’s possible to survive these turbulent times by finding a way to either reduce the amount of pain you’re suffering or increase your ability to cope with it. But you can only overcome it if you’re still alive.

If you’re contemplating killing yourself, remember this…there’s no rush. Why not give yourself twenty-four hours or even a week? The option isn’t going anywhere. Try a few things and see how they work out. And if at the end of your trial period, you still feel like killing yourself, you can deal with that then.

First things first, there is no need for you to go through this alone. You’re not alone. You’re not crazy. And you will not be laughed at or dismissed. Why not try making a call or sending out an e-mail or maybe even a call to one of the following places? Really, what have you got to lose?

• Call 1-800-SUICIDE in the U.S.
• Teenagers: call Covenant House Nine Line, 1-800-999-9999
• Look in the front of your phone book for a crisis line
• Call a psychotherapist
• Carefully choose a friend or a minister or rabbi, etc.

Now, how about a little distraction? Suicide is heavy stuff, and just thinking about it can wear your head out. Rest your brain for just a few minutes with a distraction by thinking about something entirely different. And while you’re at it, put some distance between yourself and anything that you could use to cause yourself harm. Get away from any weapons or medications that might be in your home. If necessary, give them to someone you trust for safekeeping. Then, try doing something that has brought you pleasure in the past: listen to music, go to a movie, or go out for ice cream. Take a day just for yourself, and afterwards try just taking things one day at a time.

If Someone You Love Is Suicidal

If someone you love is suicidal, or you think they might become so, it’s important for you to learn everything you can about depression and suicide. That way, should the need arise, you’ll be able to help them as much as possible. There are several online and print resources that offer in-depth information about helping a suicidal person. In addition, you can get twenty-four hour assistance from your local crises center or the Samaritans (Check their Web site for more details.) Both sources provide confidential and non-judgmental information. The following is the list of warning signs that you should look out for in your loved one. Some people who are suicidal will not exhibit any outward signs or symptoms. However, if your loved one does seem depressed, and if he or she exhibits any of the following signs, take action immediately to get help.

• Appearing depressed or sad most of the time
• Feeling helpless or hopeless
• Withdrawal from loved ones
• Making negative statements such as “I don’t want to go on,” or “Everyone would be better off without me”
• Displaying a fascination with suicide or death (writing poems or drawing pictures about suicide or death)
• Losing interest in daily activities, especially those that have brought pleasure in the past
• Writing a will and giving away possessions
• Acting irrationally
• Neglecting personal appearance
• Performing poorly at work or in school
• Abusing alcohol or drugs
• Inability to concentrate

But Will They Listen?

You cannot control whether or not another person will listen any more than you can control their actions. But you can do your best to help your loved one understand that suicidal thoughts occur as a result of a medical and mental disorder which can be treated. Provide a supportive and non-judgmental ear to listen to your loved one whenever possible; it might not seem like much, but sometimes it can make all the difference in the world.

Virtually every person who has contemplated suicide and changed their mind is glad that they are still alive. There is light at the end of the tunnel. It does get better.

Bipolar disorder, also known as manic-depression, is a type of depression that affects more than two million American adults. It is a brain disorder that causes major mood shifts resulting in dramatic ups and downs. It affects a persons mood, energy, and ability to function. This condition can damage relationships, poor job or school performance, and even suicide. But the good news is that bipolar disorder can be treated, allowing sufferers to lead full and productive lives.

Bipolar disorder typically develops in the teen years or in early adulthood. However, some people see their first symptoms as children, while others do not develop symptoms until later in life. Many people suffer in silence with this condition, as they do not recognize their symptoms as part of an illness.

Bipolar Disorder: The Symptoms

Bipolar disorder is characterized by severe episodes of mania or depression that include symptoms of psychosis. The dramatic mood swings go from extreme highs and happiness to extreme lows and sadness. Often, these mood swings fluctuate with no warning and with periods of normal behavior in between. These mood swings, also called episodes of mania and depression, go hand in hand with severe changes in energy and behavior. Psychotic symptoms in bipolar disorder tend to reflect the extreme mood state at the time, either extreme happiness or depression. Common psychotic symptoms include hallucinations and delusion. Hallucinations may involve hearing, seeing, or otherwise sensing the presence of things that are not actually there. Delusions, on the other hand, are strongly held beliefs that are not influenced by logical reasoning or explained by a person’s usual cultural concepts. A person with bipolar disorder may experience intense delusions of grandeur or depression that are sometimes incorrectly diagnosed as schizophrenia, another severe mental illness.

Symptoms of Mania

A manic episode is diagnosed if elevated mood occurs with three or more of the other symptoms most of the day, nearly every day, for 1 week or longer. If the mood is irritable, four additional symptoms must be present. A mild level of mania is called hypomania. Hypomania may feel good at the time, and it may even be associated with good functioning and enhanced productivity. However, without proper treatment, hypomania can become severe mania in some people or can switch into depression. The following are the most common symptoms of a manic episode of bipolar disorder:

• Increased energy and alertness
• Euphoric mood
• Racing thoughts, difficulty concentrating, and distractibility
• Exaggerated and unrealistic beliefs in one’s abilities and powers
• Poor judgment
• Increased sexual drive
• Provocative, intrusive, or aggressive behavior

Symptoms of Depression:

A depressive episode is diagnosed if five or more of these symptoms last most of the day, nearly every day, for a period of 2 weeks or longer.

• Overwhelming sadness, anxiety, or a feeling of emptiness
• Hopelessness or a pessimistic outlook
• Feelings of guilt or helplessness
• Loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed, including sex
• Decreased energy, and a feeling of fatigue
• Difficulty concentrating
• Restlessness or irritability
• Sleep disorders: sleeping too much, or the inability to sleep
• Drastic appetite changes
• Thoughts of death or suicide, or suicide attempts

Bipolar Disorder and Suicide

Suicidal tendencies are common in people with bipolar disorder. If you, or someone you know is thinking about or considering suicide, it is important to take these thoughts seriously. Anyone who is thinking about committing suicide needs immediate attention, preferably from a mental health professional or a physician. Suicidal thoughts and tendencies include:

• Wanting to die
• Talking about considering suicide
• Feeling hopeless or helpless

• Feeling like a burden to family and friends
• Abusing alcohol or drugs
• Preparing for death
• Putting oneself in dangerous situations

If you, or someone you know is feeling suicidal:

• Call your health care professional or 911 immediately
• Get in touch with a friend or loved one, and don’t leave a suicidal person alone
• Stay away from things such as medications or guns that could be used to inflict harm

Bipolar Disorder: The Treatment

Like diabetes or heart disease, bipolar disorder is an illness that must be managed throughout the sufferer’s life. But most people with bipolar disorder can achieve substantial stabilization of their mood swings, and return to a normal life with proper treatment. A strategy that combines medication and psychosocial treatment is optimal for managing the disorder over time.

Medications

Medications for bipolar disorder can be prescribed by a psychiatrist or your health care provider. Medications known as “mood stabilizers” are the most common treatment method for controlling bipolar disorder. Anti-convulsant and anti-psychotic medications are also useful in stabilizing mood cycles. Work closely with your psychiatrist to develop a treatment plan for your condition. And be sure to stick with the program once you have started, as this will improve your chances of recovery.

Holidays are supposed to be a joyful time, a time of cheer filled with parties and family gatherings. But for some, the holidays can be a lonely reminder of past sorrows and future worries. Towards the end of the year, many people suffer from holiday depression. If you or a loved one suffers from holiday depression, here’s what you need to know about this condition, and what you can do to recognize and overcome it.

Why So Blue?
With the stress, exhaustion, expectations, financial worries, commercialization, and other burdens of the holiday season, it’s no wonder that many people become depressed during this otherwise magical time of year. Factor in the physical demands of shopping, cooking, parties, and guests, and it’s amazing that sadness and anxiety don’t overwhelm us all. Many folks become depressed or develop other stress responses such as migraines, sleep disorders, appetite changes, aggression, or excessive drinking.

Preventing Holiday Depression

If you are prone to becoming depressed around the holidays, you need to be proactive in looking for ways to keep depression from creeping over you. There are a number of strategies that you can utilize to prevent depression from becoming a problem.

Keep It Real: There always seems to be an overabundance of social activities, chores, and events during the holiday season. You simply can’t do it all if you hope to maintain your sanity. Keep your expectations reasonable and set realistic goals about what you can and cannot accomplish. Learn to say “no” when you need to; after all, your priority is to yourself and your family.

Spread Out the Joy: If you place all of your focus on one day of the holiday (i.e. Christmas or Thanksgiving Day), then you are certain to be disappointed and depressed if something doesn’t turn out just as you planned. Place less importance on one specific day or event, and instead spread the joy out over the entire holiday season, that way you’ll be less likely to become overwhelmed.

Take Care of Yourself and Others: Make a special effort during the holiday season to eat healthy and nutritious meals and to work a little exercise into your daily activities. Taking care of yourself can help boost your mood and appearance and give you the extra energy you need to handle all that’s being asked of you. And while you’re at it, take time to nurture your soul by making time for others. Volunteer at a soup kitchen or prepare a few handmade gifts for needy families. Doing things for others who are less fortunate than yourself will help you keep the holidays in perspective.

Don’t Expect Miracles: Yes, the holiday season is often described as a magical one, but that doesn’t mean you should expect miracles. If you tend to bicker with your sister, or if your mother can be a nag, this will probably be the case during the holidays as well. Similarly, if your children tend to run late or spill things on their good clothes, this will probably happen too. Prepare yourself for the inevitable. You can’t change your relationships (or your children) all in one day. Enjoy your time with your loved ones without expecting them to be someone else just because it’s a holiday.

Change Things Up: Don’t be afraid to make a few changes in your holiday celebrations this year. Your co-workers might be thrilled to do a Secret Santa, rather than buy a slew of individual presents. And just because you put 10,000 lights on your house last year doesn’t mean that you can’t be happy with a small wreath and a candle in the window this year. Think about the things that caused you the most stress last year and look for new ways to enjoy them.

Stay Connected: Holidays can be very lonely times for those who have lost a loved one. And worse yet, these folks often hold in their sadness so as not to ruin anyone else’s holiday. There is room for sadness and loneliness during the holidays, but the key is to keep them from weighing down yourself and others. Stay connected with loved ones and don’t be afraid to share your feelings. Acknowledging your emotions can often help you diminish their hold on you.

Recognizing Depression

Despite your best efforts to pace yourself and stay positive during the holiday season, depression may still get the best of you. We all have good days and bad days, but if you think you are truly becoming depressed, you need to reach out and get help. Here’s how to recognize depression.

• Crying Spells
• Difficulty sleeping
• Feelings of sadness or guilt
• Appetite changes

If these symptoms begin to show up in your daily life, take action against your depression by slowing down and reaching out to friends and family for extra support. If they persist for several weeks past the holidays, seek the advice of a qualified therapist or counselor to help you cope with your depression

People who suffer from depression generally describe the condition as an overwhelming feeling of hopelessness and sadness, as if a black curtain hanging over their lives. Some people can experience depression suddenly as the direct result of a specific event. While others become depressed slowly over time. There are several types of depression, such as clinical depression, seasonal affective disorder, postpartum depression, and bipolar disorder. Each of these conditions may be linked to a unique cause or circumstance.

And although the exact cause of depression has yet to be determined, there are several factors that can greatly influence its development. The cause of depression differs from person to person, but biological, environmental, psychological and medical factors may all play some part. More often than not, however, multiple causes come together when someone becomes depressed.

Biological Causes

Doctors are still unsure why some people experience chemical imbalances in the brain while others do not. But whatever the reason, these changes in brain chemistry can lead to a state of depression. Research data indicates that people who suffer from depression tend to have imbalances in their neurotransmitters, namely serotonin and norepinephrine. Neurotransmitters allow the different areas of the brain to communicate with one another. Most anti-depressant medications aim to re-establish the chemical balance within the brain.

Another body chemical that might be altered in those who are depressed is the hormone cortisol. Cortisol is produced in the body in response to stress, anxiety, and fear. Normally, cortisol levels peak in the morning and gradually level off throughout the day. But for people who are depressed, cortisol levels don’t seem to decrease as quickly as they should. Researchers are still unsure if the increased levels of cortisol cause depression or if conversely, depression causes the overproduction of the hormone.

Genetic Causes

Depression often runs in families, which has lead many researchers to speculate that genetics plays some role in the development of the condition. If one or both of your parents suffered from depression, then you are much more likely to develop the condition yourself. Researchers are hoping to isolate the genetic markers that are associated with manic depressive disorder and other similar depressive conditions. This may someday enable researchers to better understanding the development of depression. In the meantime however, it does little to help treat the actual condition.

Psychological Causes

Other psychological conditions, such as adjustment disorder, may be associated with the development of depression. People who have eating disorders, anxiety disorders, difficulty handling stress, or poor coping skills may also have a problem with depression. Likewise, people with low self-esteem or a negative outlook on life may be more likely to become depressed. This may be another reason why depression tends to run in families. Children readily learn pessimism, discouraging thoughts, and negative self-talk from their parents.

Environmental Causes

Financial worries, problems at work, or relationship difficulties can result in depression. As can increased stress, trauma, a serious loss, or an unwelcome life change. However, no two individuals will react to a situation the same way, and some may become depressed while others do not. Depression may result from the inability to handle or control negative feelings regarding an unpleasant environmental condition.

Medical Causes

A chronic illness can be physically and emotionally draining. The despair and difficulty of undergoing treatment or suffering through harsh symptoms can easily lead to the development of depression. The side-effects of certain medications, especially those that alter your energy levels or state of consciousness, can also lead to depression. Similarly, substance abuse may also lead to depression as it depletes both the body and the mind of vital nutrients and energy. Talk with your health care provider if you’re concerned about the medications you’re taking. When depression does stem from a medical issue, it usually dissipates if and when the medical condition is properly addressed.

The Symptoms of Depression

Regardless of the cause of your depression, the illness affects your mind, your body, and your daily performance. Your health care provider will assess your symptoms as well as the cause of your depression when diagnosing your condition. If you experience at least five of the major symptoms of depression in the same two-week period, it’s likely that you are suffering a major depressive episode. The major symptoms include mood or personality changes, appetite changes, sleep disorders, lack of energy, loss of interest in sex, difficulty concentrating, and suicidal thoughts or tendencies.

Caring For Depression

Depression is a disease, but it can be treated. A combination of therapy and medications can make an enormous difference in the life of a depressed person. If you suspect that you may be suffering from depression, ask your health care provider to help you determine the best course of treatment, based on the pattern of your depression, its severity, persistence, and history.

Helping Yourself

Depression is an exhausting condition. Feelings of helplessness and hopelessness can make it difficult to reach out for help. It’s important to realize that these negative thoughts and pessimistic views are part of the depression and they rarely  reflect the situation accurately. With proper treatment, this negative thinking will fade and a more positive attitude should eventually take its place. If you’re depressed, here’s what you can do to get help:

• Get Connected: Get in touch with family and friends or join a depression support group. Being alone allows you to dwell on your negative mood and feelings.
• Get Real: Try to set realistic goals for yourself, both in your daily life and in your recovery. You are setting yourself up for failure if you expect to “get over” your depression in a couple of days.
• Get Out There: Participate in activities that may make you feel better. Whether it’s attending a sports event, going to a movie, or enrolling in a drawing class, an activity can help you direct your focus towards positive thoughts and feelings.
• Take Care of Yourself: Make an effort to eat a wholesome, nutritious diet, drink plenty of water, and get at least a little bit of exercise every day. Taking good care of yourself will help you build the energy you need to overcome depression.
• Put Some Things on Hold: If you can, it’s best to put important decisions on hold until the depression has lifted. Before deciding about a major life change, such as a drastic move, a job change, or a marriage or divorce, talk it over with others who know you well and have a more objective view of your situation.
• Let Others Help You: Friends and family members help one another in times of need. Just as you would help a loved one, let them help you. Talk with your friends and family about your condition and allow them to be part of your recovery.
• See A Professional: Don’t be ashamed to seek the advice of a therapist or your health care professional. A therapist can help you develop a plan for recovery and advise you about medications that may make your recovery more successful.
• See Depression for What it Is: Depression is an illness. The negative thoughts and feelings you are experiencing are in result of this illness. Accept that emotions do not have to define who you are as a person.
• Monitor Your Self Talk: People who suffer from depression tend to engage in an almost constant repertoire of negative self-talk. On the outside, they may try to brighten their attitude, but inside they seethe with guilt, sadness, and feelings of despair. Be conscious of what you say to yourself and try to use positive dialogue throughout the day. Even if it seems forced at first, the more you keep repeating positive thoughts, the sooner they will become ingrained in your brain.
• Let Go: There are some things that are just beyond our scope of control or are too unimportant to spend a lot of energy obsessing about. Learn to identify when a situation just isn’t worth the emotional effort or struggle to change, and let it go.

Helping a Loved One

The very nature of depression can interfere with a person’s ability to get help. Depression steals a person’s energy and self-esteem and makes them feel tired, worthless, helpless, and hopeless. It’s difficult and painful to watch as a loved one suffers from depression. But there are things you can do to help. The best thing you can do for someone who is depressed is help them get appropriate treatment. Here are a few ways you can help a depressed person get the help they need.

• Make an appointment for them with a qualified health care professional who specializes in mental health conditions.
• Accompany the person to the appointment.
• Encourage the person to continue seeing the therapist or psychiatrist until their symptoms begin to fade.
• If the person is not experiencing any improvement, encourage them to try a different treatment method.

Another important way to help someone you love is to offer emotional support. Give them your understanding, patience, affection, and encouragement. Keep involved in their life. Invite them for a walk, to a movie, or for coffee. If they decides to open up to you, be sure you’re really listening to what they are saying. Don’t interrupt with a lot of advice or anecdotes. Just listen and let them speak. Take them seriously if they make any references to suicide. Most importantly, reassure them that it‘s possible to get help, and with treatment, they can be well again.

Clinical depression is a common medical illness affecting more than 19 million American adults each year. Depression has many causes and influences people in unique ways. We all have our good days when we feel on top of the world, and our bad days when we feel sad, exceptionally tired or are have trouble sleeping. Fortunately for most of us, our bad days don’t usually last long and we’re able to bounce back relatively quickly. But when symptoms like these last for two weeks or more, it may be a sign of clinical depression.

The best way to make a diagnosis of major depression is to carefully examine how you feel and then discuss your findings with your doctor. There are several questionnaires available to help you and your doctor decide if you have a level of depression that requires treatment. If you’re depressed, it’s important to understand both your symptoms and the severity of your condition, because the effectiveness of your treatment may depend on it.

Why Take A Depression Test?

Clinical depression is a serious medical illness that can greatly alter ones life. If left untreated it can even lead to suicide. Some people with depression mistakenly believe that their symptoms are just part of life. But this is not the case. Clinical depression affects people of all ages, sexes, religions, races, and socioeconomic classes. More than 80% of all cases of clinical depression can be effectively treated with medication, psychotherapy or a combination of both. Yet two-thirds of those who suffer from depression don’t get help. Like screenings for other illnesses, depression screenings should be a routine part of healthcare.

A depression test helps to assess your symptoms and the severity of your depression. It can be good tool in helping you determine whether or not you are clinically depressed. And it may also be useful to your health care professional or counselor in understanding and treating your condition if you are.

What Is A Depression Test?

A depression test is a simple survey that asks you a series of questions about the symptoms and emotions you’re experiencing. There are several types of depression tests available. But basically, the questions will require a simple “yes” or “no” answer. The questions on a depression test are often based on the sort of questions that doctors ask their patients when they think they may have a problem with depression.

How Does A Depression Test Work?

When taking a depression test you have to answer a series of questions to determine the type and severity of your symptoms. Depending on your answers, you’ll then be able to determine the likelihood of your being depressed. If the results lead you to believe that you are indeed depressed, take your test results to your family doctor or counselor and discuss your concerns.

Who Should Take A Depression Test?

If you suspect that you may be suffering from depression, it’s a good idea to go ahead and take a depression test, or talk to your health care provider about your symptoms. You should also consider taking a depression test if you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms: persistent sadness, anxiety, sleep disturbances or over sleeping, appetite changes, loss of interest in life, restlessness, irritability, difficulty concentrating, fatigue, or thoughts of death and suicide.

Where Can I Take A Depression Test?

The National Depression Screening Project, a mental health screening program, sponsors National Depression Screening Day and operates a toll-free, year-round phone line that allows callers to find free and confidential screening locations in their local areas. National Depression Screening Day is held each October during Mental Illness Awareness Week to raise awareness about depression, educate the public about its symptoms and available treatments, and to connect those in need of treatment with a qualified health care professional.

What Questions Will They Ask On A Depression Test?

Here is a list of some common questions you can expect to see on a depression test:

1. Do you feel sad, unhappy, hopeless, or otherwise “down in the dumps”?
2. Do you feel very tired with little energy?
3. Are you unable to concentrate?
4. Do you feel moody, uneasy, restless or irritable?
5. Do you have trouble falling asleep and/or staying asleep through the night?
6. Have your eating patterns drastically changed?
7. Are you unable to enjoy life and your daily activities?
8. Have you lost interest in sex or are you experiencing sexual difficulties?
9. Have you lost interest in things or activities that used to mean a lot to you?
10. Do you have difficulty focusing and making decisions?
11. Do you feel inadequate, or like a failure?
12. Do you feel guilty or put yourself down for no apparent reason?
13. Do you feel hopeless, or like things always go wrong for you no matter what you do or how hard you try?
14. Do you feel empty inside, like you are not really alive?
15. Do you feel confined or imprisoned?
16. Have you entertained thoughts of suicide?