There are different types of depression, which affect teens every year, all across the world. Unfortunately many of us do not know what they are or even signs that there is even a problem. To be honest I didn't even realize how many different types of depression there were until I started the research for this project. That is when I realized many of my peers at home were just as uneducated as I was. Through this research I have found out that depression ranges from normal to major depression. I hope my research will be helpful to you and your friends. If there is one thing that I would like to remember about my work, it would be to act on the smallest impulse that a loved one is in trouble, no matter how you think it may affect your relationship at the time. A saved life is better than a missed life.
The Million-Dollar Question: What is depression?
Depression is the reaction of how the nerve cells work in the brain. Major depressed people contain an unusual amount of one hormone (Cortisol) and several brain neurotransmitters, which may be inherited. This is why people who have depressed relatives are at greater risk of becoming depressed themselves.
Normal Depression
Adjustment Disorder with Depressed Mood
This disorder is a person's ability to cope with a life change. Also know as a "triggering life event"; for example moving to a foreign place, death of a parent, going to a new school, etc.
A person usually experiencing this type of depression often finds it hard to accept the change, get out of bed, or eat. There are many other symptoms, which the person could display out of their normal behavior, if so call a doctor.
Mild Depression
Dysthymia
Is a form a depression where the person has a chronic depressed mood, and low self-esteem. They also express low-level symptoms of major depression. The person is still able to carry on from day to day, but view themselves as "LOSERS." There isn't always a triggering life event to cause this form for depression.
Major Depression
Also known as "seriously depressed." Major depression causes such a deep hopelessness that the person loses interest in life itself. Like most depressions, there isn't a certain triggering event to help them identify with. DSM-IV (a book with different mental health diagnoses) suggested that a person must for at least 2 weeks have deep despair and 4 of the following to have major depression:
- Sleep problems - insomnia or sleeping all the time
- Appetite problems - loss or excessive gain
- Lack of energy
- Feeling - hopeless, worthless, and guilt
- Difficulty concentrating
- Suicidal thought and attempts
| FACT: "Within 5 years of suffering a major depression, an estimated 25% of sufferers try to kill themselves." |
Types of Major Depression:
Bipolar Disorder (Manic-Depression)
This disorder is a combination of depressive episodes and high-energy periods of crazy
non-realistic activity. Usually it occurs without any certain cause.
Atypical Depression
Atypical is defined as "unusual." Someone affected by this disorder will seem very depressed for a few days than perfectly fine for awhile. They could also seem agitated and anxious, without a known triggering event; it is best if one seeks professional help immediately for proper diagnosis.
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
Also known as the "Winter Blues." This disorder is a person's reaction to lack of sunlight in the late fall to winter seasons. Often it is hard for the person to function, average everyday tasks, during these seasons. Through years of research a therapy has been developed Phototherapy. It is the daily exposure to artificial sunlight, but like many treatments there is a risk and it is a higher increased risk of skin cancer.
Post-partum Depression
Ever heard the expression "case of the baby blues," well this is what it is, due to the large difference in hormonal changes mothers are faced with. They often feel sadness and anxiety. Symptoms usually develop a few months after delivery. A person may often feel extremely sad, consistently cries, suffers from insomnia, and may be irritable.
| FACT: "10%-15% of mothers become clinically depressed." |
Good News, There is HOPE: Antidepressants
| FACT: "Antidepressants elevate mood 60%-80% in people who use them as directed." |
Antidepressants all work equally. For about a half of century they have been proven to be safe and successful. On average, they take about 2 weeks to feel any difference, and about 6 weeks to feel its full effect. There are many side affects (headaches, sleep disruption, diarrhea, weight loss etc.), so always consult a doctor before taking any type of medications. Below are some helpful questions to ask your doctor:
- How will it affect my sleep?
- Will there be changes in my eating habits?
- Will it effects my sex life?
- When will I feel better?
- How long will I need to take the medicine?
- Will it conflict with any other medicine I am taking?
Antidepressants:
- Prozac-dose range from 20mg-80mg/day
- Zoloft-dose range from 50mg-200mg/day
- Paxil-dose range from 20mg-50mg/day
- Celexa-dose range from 20mg-60mg/day
| FACT: "Only 1 depressed person in 10 received adequate treatment." |
Another Alternative: Non-Drug Therapies
In the case of mild depression non-drug therapies have been proven just as effective as antidepressant medications. Talk to your doctor about using them as an option. Below are types of non-drug therapies:
- Cognitive Therapy
- Exercise
- Psychotherapy
- Support groups
- Herbal Medicine
- Dietary Supplements
- Acupuncture
- Aromatherapy
- Phototherapy
- Electro Convulsive Therapy (ECT)
I hope this website, and my work, has been an inspiration to you. I want your new knowledge to be able to save a person's life. I hope that you will share this website with friends and family. In addition, below are a few other resources that I thought might be helpful:
Post-partum Depression
Hot line: Depression after Delivery (800) 944-4773
This isn't what I expected recognizing and recovering from depression and anxiety after childbirth. By: Karen R. Kleimen
and Valerie D.Raskin
Websites:
For Facts and Information:
www.depression.com
Phototherapy:
www.sunbox.com
