Depression is a mental health condition that is often characterized by extended periods of sadness, difficulty experiencing positive emotions, and decreased levels of energy. The severity can range from mild to debilitating. At Highland Hospital Behavioral Health in Charleston, West Virginia, depression is one of several mental health conditions we treat in children, adolescents, and adults. This condition is often misunderstood, so we want to present some facts we think everyone should know about depression.
Fact #1 – Depression Is Treatable.
It can sometimes feel like there is no escape from depression, but most people with this condition can recover with treatment, which may include:
- Medications – There are many different types of antidepressants available, and new ones are being developed all the time.
- Therapy – Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and interpersonal therapy are two of the most common approaches used to treat depression. They can help people to adjust to life challenges, identify and address negative beliefs and behaviors, improve their relationships with other people, develop additional coping skills, recognize issues that could be making their depression worse, or learn how to set more realistic goals
- Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) – This method uses electrical currents to change brain functioning. It is typically only utilized for people who can’t take antidepressants or who don’t respond to medication and therapy.
- Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) – This method is also reserved for people who didn’t benefit from antidepressants. Magnetic impulses are used to stimulate nerve cells in the brain related to mood regulation.
Fact #2 – Depression Can Be Inherited.
While it’s not guaranteed that you will develop depression, if you have a blood relative with this mental health disorder, your chances would be higher than for someone with no blood relatives who have depression. This may be disappointing news; however, it can give you the upper hand in preventing or treating your own mental health if you recognize your risk and become proactive in your self-care by:
- Prioritizing sleep
- Working out
- Eating healthy, well-balanced meals
- Learning to manage your stress effectively
- Build healthy support systems
- Get regular medical check-ups
- Stay away from nicotine, alcohol, and other addictive substances
Fact #3 – Depression Is Not Laziness.
Depression can cause serious fatigue, limiting a person’s ability to do things like cooking, cleaning, and managing their own hygiene. It can cause them to feel so hopeless that they no longer even see the point in trying to do these things. It can also increase their awareness of physical pain, causing them to fear movement and the intense pain it can bring.
Fact #4 – Untreated Depression Can Be Life-Threatening.
While depression is not the only mental health disorder that increases a person’s risk for suicidal ideation, it does place people at risk for suicidal thoughts. If you notice someone you love seems sad, irritable, less energetic, or more withdrawn, that can be an indication that they are depressed, and you should talk to them right away. Don’t be afraid to ask about suicidal thoughts, and don’t laugh off jokes about killing themselves.
Some of the most common red flags you might see in a person who is thinking about suicide include:
- Hopelessness
- Loneliness or isolation
- Impulsivity
- Aggression
- Illness that is serious, painful, chronic, life-threatening, or life-changing
- Family history of suicide
- Past attempts to kill themselves
- A big loss such as a job, the end of a relationship, the death of someone important to them, money, or housing
- Access to items they could use to kill themselves, such as guns and ammo, blades, ropes, poison, or medications
Fact #5 – People Don’t Fake Depression.
Not only do people not typically pretend to have depression to get attention, but the reverse is often true. People with depression frequently do everything they can to pretend that they are okay and keep friends and family from noticing when they really need help. They will sometimes push away the people they love most, because they feel unworthy of the love and support that we all need to thrive, and they worry about being a burden on the people in their lives.
At Highland Hospital Behavioral Health, we understand depression and how painful it can be. We provide our patients with individualized, evidence-based treatment that gives them a path to hope and recovery.
