Are You At Risk For Depression?
Despite what some people may believe, depression is an illness just like any other. Although depression is a complex disorder, it has causes and symptoms like like cany other condition. There are no definative physical causes for depression, so there is no simple lab test to diagnose it. Doctors are instead able to diagnose depression by considering symptoms like lack of energy, feelings of sadness, anxiety, and problems with sleep. Recovery begins with this diagnosis and with the execution of a proper treatment plan. You are not "crazy" if you have depression, you have an illness just like any other. You cant wish it away but the good news is its very treatable.
There are a lot of myths floating around about depression. Lets look at some of the facts.
Suicide Risk
Depression is a potentially deadly illness, it is a leading cause of suicide. Estimates from the mayo clinic found that between 2% and 9% of people suffering from depression would go on to commit suicide. Ninety percent of the 35000 annual suicide victims in the US suffer from depression or other mental conditions. Men are more likely than women to commit suicide as a result of depression.
Genetics
If you have a family member who has experienced depression you are at an increased risk of becoming depressed. Detailed research over the years has found that like many other diseases genetics is an important risk factor for depression. These studies show that if you have a first degree relative (parent or sibling) who has or has had major depression, your risk is 1.5 to 3 times higher than someone with no depression in the immediate family.
Female Risk
Rates of depression among women are twice that of men. Roughly 1 in 4 women will struggle with depression during their life time. Women are particularly likely to struggle with depression during child baring years. This makes sense as this is often the most stressful time in a womans life. Additionally it is during this time that women deal with significant hormonal changes which can contribute to changes in brain functioning resulting in depression.
Low Self Esteem
People with low self esteem are at a higher probability of suffering from depression. When you lack self esteem, you lack self worth and you dont feel good about your self or your life. Its been shown that people with low self esteem have very similar thinking patterns to people suffering from depression. This thinking style is predominantly negative. It is important that people with low self esteem have support systems to help make them feel productive and confident.
Anxiety Co Morbidity
People who suffer from an anxiety disorder such as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), social anxiety disorder, or obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) have a high probability of suffering from a depressive disorder. Anxiety disorders and depression often occur together. The national comorbidity survey (2005) found that 58% of people suffering from major depression also suffer from an anxiety disorder.
Substance abuse
Depression commonly occurs in those suffering from a substance abuse issue. Over time alcohol and illicit drugs have a negative impact on our brain chemistry and mental functioning. Studies conducted by the National Institute on Health found that almost one third of those suffering from depression will also suffer from a substance abuse issue in their lifetime.
Age is a Factor
There is no doubt that older people are at risk for depression. Some think that depression is a normal part of the aging process, this certainly is not true. Depression in any form, at any age is not normal. Depression in the elderly can be triggered by a variety of things including medication, loneliness, loss of independent living or even early onset dimentia.
Working to decrease your risk factors for depression can help reduce your chance of having to deal with this illness. Even though you can't change all of the risk factors you can work to reduce your risks and improve your coping skills. The more resources that you have at your disposal, the less likely depression will be to over take your life. Know the facts and use that knowledge to improve your chances of living a full and healthy life.
There are a lot of myths floating around about depression. Lets look at some of the facts.
Suicide Risk
Depression is a potentially deadly illness, it is a leading cause of suicide. Estimates from the mayo clinic found that between 2% and 9% of people suffering from depression would go on to commit suicide. Ninety percent of the 35000 annual suicide victims in the US suffer from depression or other mental conditions. Men are more likely than women to commit suicide as a result of depression.
Genetics
If you have a family member who has experienced depression you are at an increased risk of becoming depressed. Detailed research over the years has found that like many other diseases genetics is an important risk factor for depression. These studies show that if you have a first degree relative (parent or sibling) who has or has had major depression, your risk is 1.5 to 3 times higher than someone with no depression in the immediate family.
Female Risk
Rates of depression among women are twice that of men. Roughly 1 in 4 women will struggle with depression during their life time. Women are particularly likely to struggle with depression during child baring years. This makes sense as this is often the most stressful time in a womans life. Additionally it is during this time that women deal with significant hormonal changes which can contribute to changes in brain functioning resulting in depression.
Low Self Esteem
People with low self esteem are at a higher probability of suffering from depression. When you lack self esteem, you lack self worth and you dont feel good about your self or your life. Its been shown that people with low self esteem have very similar thinking patterns to people suffering from depression. This thinking style is predominantly negative. It is important that people with low self esteem have support systems to help make them feel productive and confident.
Anxiety Co Morbidity
People who suffer from an anxiety disorder such as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), social anxiety disorder, or obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) have a high probability of suffering from a depressive disorder. Anxiety disorders and depression often occur together. The national comorbidity survey (2005) found that 58% of people suffering from major depression also suffer from an anxiety disorder.
Substance abuse
Depression commonly occurs in those suffering from a substance abuse issue. Over time alcohol and illicit drugs have a negative impact on our brain chemistry and mental functioning. Studies conducted by the National Institute on Health found that almost one third of those suffering from depression will also suffer from a substance abuse issue in their lifetime.
Age is a Factor
There is no doubt that older people are at risk for depression. Some think that depression is a normal part of the aging process, this certainly is not true. Depression in any form, at any age is not normal. Depression in the elderly can be triggered by a variety of things including medication, loneliness, loss of independent living or even early onset dimentia.
Working to decrease your risk factors for depression can help reduce your chance of having to deal with this illness. Even though you can't change all of the risk factors you can work to reduce your risks and improve your coping skills. The more resources that you have at your disposal, the less likely depression will be to over take your life. Know the facts and use that knowledge to improve your chances of living a full and healthy life.
