Who Is Affected by Depression?
Depression affects people of all ages, races and socioeconomic backgrounds. Young children and older adults are increasingly being diagnosed with depression. Depression is the fourth leading cause of disability and projected to be the second leading cause by 2020.

• The National Mental Health Association estimates approximately 19 million Americans suffer from depression
• Depression most commonly begins between ages 20 and 45 but can develop at any age
• Depression tends to run in families
• Depression often occurs with other illnesses, such as diabetes, heart conditions and other chronic health problems
• Separated or divorced individuals, especially men, are more likely than married people to become depressed

What Is Depression?
Depression is a mood disorder that causes you to feel sad or hopeless for an extended period of time. More than just a case of "the blues" or temporary feelings of grief or low energy, depression can have a significant impact on your enjoyment of life, your work, your health and the people you care about.

Depression can be triggered by stressful life events, other illnesses, certain medications, or genetic predisposition. Although causes of depression are not entirely understood, we know it is linked to an imbalance in brain chemistry. Once the imbalance is corrected, symptoms of depression generally improve.
Common symptoms include:

• Depressed mood on a daily basis
• Inability to enjoy activities
• Problems in concentrating
• Changes in eating habits or appetite
• Weight gain or weight loss
• Changes in sleeping habits
• Difficulty going to work or taking care of daily responsibilities because of a lack of energy
• Feelings of guilt and hopelessness; wondering if life is worth living
• Slowed thoughts and speech
• Preoccupation with thoughts of death and suicide
• Complaints that have no physical cause such as headaches and stomach aches

All of these symptoms can interfere with the quality of your life. If you have experienced a few of these symptoms for at least two weeks, your depression may require treatment.

How to Treat Depression
Treatment of depression may include antidepressant medication, professional counseling such as cognitive behavioral therapy or a combination of the two. Hospitalization may be necessary if you show warning signs of suicide. It can take 4 to 12 weeks for medications to take effect. You and your physician will work together to find the right treatment.

At least half of those who have had a depressive episode will have a relapse. Continuing to take medication for at least 7 to 15 months after recovery reduces your risk of a relapse.

Beyond medication, these behaviors can help decrease depression:

• Eat a balanced diet
• Avoid alcohol and other mood altering drugs
• Exercise regularly or take a daily walk
• Get quality sleep
• Join in activities, try not to isolate from others
• Postpone making decisions – about moving, changing jobs, getting married or divorced – until your depression is stable
• Ask for help and allow friends and family to be supportive
• Set realistic goals trying not to take on more than you can handle

Depression is not normal at any age. Treatment is available and important. Depression is often under-diagnosed in children and older adults. In children and adolescents, depression might be mistaken for hormonal "moodiness". Older adults may think it is normal to experience depression along with aging. Early treatment of depression in older adults can delay nursing home placement. Sometimes parents of depressed children and teens may also become depressed and need treatment.

The first step is often the hardest. Ask for help. Together, you and your doctor or therapist can decide on a treatment plan to alleviate your depression.

Upcoming events at Doll and Associates

Building Self-Esteem in Adolescent Girls
November 4, 2006
Jackie Block, MFT will be presenting at "Girls + Math + Science = Opportunity" at UW Fond du Lac regarding helping parents build self-esteem in their daughters. Contact UW FDL for registration.

Autism In service
November 6, 2006
Matt Doll, PhD will be presenting an in service for the Fond du Lac School District regarding autism.

PREP Marriage EducationNovember 10-11, 2006
Anne Brunette, MSW and Doug Hedman, Chaplain of the Wisconsin National Guard will be presenting a workshop for couples to learn proven, marriage enhancing skills.