Depression should never be considered “normal.”
Depression
occurrence is highest for people who live in the southeastern states.
Nine percent
of two hundred thousand adults in the U.S. are depressed.
The National Mental Health
Association predicts one in eight women will suffer from depression during her
lifetime.
Who
are likely to be depressed? People forty five to sixty years of age, African
Americans, Hispanics, persons with less than a
high school education, unemployed people, and those who have no health
insurance.
What are
signs of depression?
Feelings of helplessness and hopelessness, loss of interest in
daily activities, and no interest in former hobbies, social
activities, or sex.
Unexplained increase
in physical complaints, including headache, back pain, aching muscles, and
stomach pain.
Weight
loss or gain of more than five percent body weight in a month.
Early
morning awakening, or oversleeping; energy loss, mood swings, substance abuse, compulsive gambling, reckless driving, and dangerous
sports.
Triggers for depression in men and
women: stress at work or school, disability,
marital or relationship problems, failure to meet important goals,
unemployment, job change, money/health problems, chronic illness, injury,
disability, quitting smoking. Other stressors are death of a loved one, caring
for children, spouse, and aging parents, retirement; and loss of independence.
