Depression is such a widespread form of mental illness that most people think they are familiar with the symptoms. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, each year 19 million Americans suffer from the symptoms that are associated with clinical depression. During their lifetime, 10 to 25 percent of women and 5 to 12 percent of men will be affected by depression.
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The treatment success rate for clinical depression is relatively high, with about 80 percent of people who seek treatment seeing an improvement in their condition. Unfortunately, it is estimated that less than half of people who are suffering from this disorder seek treatment. This is often because individuals who are affected by depression are unaware of the hidden signs and symptoms of the disorder.
Most people are aware that depression is characterized by debilitating sadness and a lack of interest in activities that were once enjoyable, but they may not realize that these are some of the hidden signs of depression:
• Changes in sleeping habits, including insomnia or excessive sleeping
• Changes in eating habits, including either loss of appetite or overeating
• Chronic digestive problems or bowel problems
• Stiff neck, backaches, headaches or other aches and pains that persist despite treatment
• Difficulty concentrating and making decisions
• Decreased energy and fatigue
• Persistent anxiety, worrying and irritability
• Exaggerated fears and phobias
Each person who suffers from depression experiences a unique set of symptoms. Some people may have only a few symptoms while others experience several. The severity of symptoms also varies from person to person and may change over time. If any of the symptoms of depression are negatively impacting relationships, school or work, a mental health professional should be consulted.
Research shows that men and women react differently to depression. Women seem to be affected by depression about four times as often as men, but this may be because men are more likely to hide their condition while depressed women are more likely to talk about it. Men commit suicide up to eight times more often than women.
When serious depression is undiagnosed and goes untreated, there is a high risk of suicide. A sudden preoccupation with death, with putting one’s affairs in order or in taking life-threatening risks are some of the signs that a depressed person is considering suicide. A mental health professional or doctor should be contacted for immediate treatment if there is any suspicion that suicide will be attempted.
Our treatment center for women is focused on chemical dependency and often encounters depression during the process of treating alcoholism or drug addiction. Even if drug use is not the primary issue with you or a loved one, we are more than happy to take your call and help in locating a depression treatment resource that will be able to provide relief and hope, so please call us today.
