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Understanding Depression
Depression is an illness that affects a person physically, emotionally, and spiritually. People who are clinically depressed can’t just “snap out of it.” As with any other illness, they need proper diagnosis, treatment, and support.
Each of us feels sad, lonely, or depressed at times. Feeling down or “depressed” in response to loss or stressful life challenges can be a normal reaction. But when these feelings last more than two weeks, become overwhelming or keep you from leading a normal, active life, they may signal a clinical depression.
The good news is that, once diagnosed, depression can be treated.
WHAT ARE THE SIGNS OR SYMPTOMS OF DEPRESSION?
Depression can vary from person to person and may manifest itself slightly differently in adults than it does in teens and the elderly. But there are certain symptoms that should raise concerns. If you or someone you care about has experienced several of these symptoms for two weeks or more, mental health professionals urge you to consult your doctor or a licensed mental health professional.
- difficulty concentrating, remembering details, and making decisions
- fatigue and decreased energy
- feelings of guilt, worthlessness, and/or helplessness
- feelings of hopelessness and/or pessimism
- insomnia, early-morning wakefulness, or excessive sleeping
- irritability, restlessness
- loss of interest in activities or hobbies once pleasurable, including sex
- overeating or appetite loss
- persistent aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems that do not ease even with treatment
- persistent sad, anxious, or "empty" feelings
- thoughts of suicide, suicide attempts
Studies indicate that one out of every eight adolescents has depression. Unfortunately, symptoms of depression in teens are often overlooked or attributed to “typical teen moodiness.” While they may not have all these signs, indications of possible depression in teens are:
- complaints of pains, including headaches, stomachaches, low back pain, or fatigue
- difficulty concentrating
- difficulty making decisions
- excessive or inappropriate guilt
- irresponsible behavior -- for example, forgetting obligations, being late for classes, skipping school
- loss of interest in food or compulsive overeating that results in rapid weight loss or gain
- memory loss
- preoccupation with death and dying
- rebellious behavior
- sadness, anxiety, or a feeling of hopelessness
- staying awake at night and sleeping during the day
- sudden drop in grades
- loss of interest in activities once enjoyed
- use of alcohol or other drugs, promiscuous sexual activity
- withdrawal from friends and family
Older adults don't always fit the typical picture of depression. Many don’t report feeling sad at all. Instead, they may complain about a lack of energy, intense worry, or physical problems. In fact, physical complaints, such as aches or pains that have gotten worse, are often the principal symptom of depression in the elderly.
Older adults with depression are also more likely to exhibit anxiety, irritability, or agitation. They may constantly wring their hands, pace the floor, or fret obsessively about money, their health, or the general state of the world. Unfortunately, signs of depression in older adults are often overlooked or mistaken for “typical signs of aging.” In older adults, be alert for:
- sadness
- fatigue
- abandoning or losing interest in hobbies or other pleasurable pastimes
- social withdrawal and isolation (reluctance to be with friends, engage in activities, or leave home)
- weight loss, loss of appetite
- sleep disturbances (difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, oversleeping, or daytime sleepiness)
- helplessness
- anxiety and worries
- memory problems
- loss of self-worth (worries about being a burden, feelings of worthlessness, self-loathing)
- fixation on death, suicidal thoughts or attempts
- unexplained or aggravated aches and pains
- hopelessness
- slowed movement
- irritability
- Lack of interest in personal care (skipping meals, forgetting medications, neglecting personal hygiene)
- Increased use of alcohol or other drugs
Suicide Risk
Depression carries a high risk of suicide. Anybody who expresses suicidal thoughts or intentions should be taken VERY, VERY seriously. Call a local suicide hot line, contact a mental health professional right away, or go to the nearest emergency room for immediate treatment.
Suicide/Crisis Hotlines
Central Maryland
- Grassroots Crisis Intervention
410-531-6677
- Baltimore Crisis Response
410-752-2272
Maryland – Statewide
- Crisis Hotline
1-800-422-0009
- Maryland Youth Crisis Hotline
1-800-422-0009
National
- 1-800-SUICIDE
1-800-784-2433
- 1-800-273-TALK
1-800-273-8255
JCS Services Supporting Mental Health
If you are concerned about yourself or a loved one, Jewish Community Services can help. We provide t herapy and outpatient mental health services for children, adolescents, and adults. Services are provided by a Maryland Board certified psychiatrist and highly trained, experienced, licensed mental health professionals. The JCS Mental Health Clinic is licensed by the State of Maryland.
For more information, call 410-466-9200 or click here.
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