What is depression?

There are times when we all feel sad, hopeless or fed up; it’s part of life. Depression is different. With depression these feelings don’t just go away. They can last for months, becoming so intense that carrying on with everyday life can become impossible.
Depression can be hard to spot. There are many different symptoms, some emotional and some physical. These are some of the most common, so if you've experienced four or more for most of the day, nearly every day for over two weeks, it might be time to talk to someone and visit your GP for help.

• Tiredness and loss of energy
• Persistent sadness
• Loss of confidence and self-esteem
• Difficulty concentrating and making decisions
• Avoiding others and becoming isolated and lonely
• Not being able to enjoy things that are usually pleasurable or interesting
• Undue feelings of guilt or worthlessness
• Feelings of helplessness and hopelessness
• Sleeping problems - difficulties in getting off to sleep or waking much earlier than usual
• Finding it hard to function at work/college/school
• Change in appetite
• Loss of sex drive and/ or sexual problems
• Physical aches and pains
• Thinking about suicide and death
• Self-harm

It’s easy to blame ourselves, but depression can affect anyone. You might feel guilty or frustrated that you can’t find the motivation to keep up with things, and it can be especially hard to spot the symptoms if you’ve been feeling the same way for a long time. Many people find they also experience anxiety alongside their symptoms, so nausea, breathlessness and headaches are all signs that it might be time to get help.
Source:  http://www.depressionalliance.org/information/what-depression
Depression is common, and in its mildest form most people can lead a healthy and active life with the right treatment and support. On the more severe end, depression can be devastating and even life-threatening, so don’t go through it alone. Spotting the signs and getting help early can be vital, so talk to someone about it and visit your GP for help.

Depression May Interfere with Intuition

People who suffer from depression appear to be disconnected from their intuition, or gut instincts, according to a new study published in the British Journal of Clinical Psychology.
The findings may help explain why depressed people often have a hard time making decisions.
For the study, Carina Remmers, a researcher from the University of Hildesheim in Germany, and her team asked 29 patients with major depression and 27 healthy controls to complete the Judgment of Semantic Coherence Task, a well-established scientific measure of intuition.
The researchers presented participants with groups of three words (e.g. salt, deep, foam). In less than three and a half seconds, the participants had to decide whether the three words were linked in meaning by a fourth word (in this case the answer was “yes” and the word was sea).
If the participants answered that the words were linked, they were given eight more seconds to provide the linking word. They were also allowed to say that they felt the words were linked, but that they didn’t know how. When this was the case, it was taken by the researchers as an instance of intuition (knowing without knowing why).
No differences were found between the depressed patients and controls in how often they answered correctly for the fourth linking word, nor in the number times they gave no response at all. This suggests both groups were similarly motivated and attentive to the task.
However, the depressed patients gave fewer correct intuitive answers (i.e. when they answered correctly that the words were linked but didn’t consciously know how).
Having poorer intuition on the task was associated with a higher measure of brooding (indicated by agreement with statements like “When I am sad, I think ‘Why do I have problems others don’t have?’”). This connection, in turn, appeared to be explained by the fact that the brooding patients felt more miserable.
The researchers note that their study is the first to investigate intuition in people with major depression. The findings are consistent with previous research on healthy people showing that low mood encourages an analytical style of thinking and inhibits a creative, more intuitive style of thinking.
According to National Institute of Mental Health, major depression causes severe symptoms that interfere with a person’s ability to work, sleep, study, eat, and enjoy life. It is one of the most common mental disorders in the United States with about 6.7 percent of adults affected each year.
Source: http://psychcentral.com/news/2014/11/09/depression-may-interfere-with-intuition/77119.html

Being depressed and angry as a teenager can affect your love life 25 YEARS later

Teenage blues and anger can taint a person's love life a quarter of a century later, according to a new report.

A study is helping to crack the code to happiness by exploring the long reach of depression and anger over more than two decades.

The study, published in the Journal of Family Psychology, followed 341 people for 25 years.

It found that negative emotions they may have suffered as young adults can have a lasting grip on their relationships well into middle age.

The fact that depression and anger experienced during the teenage years clung to people - even through major life events such as marriage, careers and having children - was surprising.

University of Alberta researcher Matthew Johnson, said: 'We assume, or hope, that high school experiences fade away and don't necessarily resonate 25 years later.

‘The fact that symptoms of depression and expressions of anger can endure over many large events in life shows how important it is to deal with mental health early.

‘Sometimes, problems don't just dissipate. How you grow and change over those early years becomes crucial to future happiness.’

The research, drawn from a larger study which began in 1985, surveyed 178 women and 163 men through their transition to adulthood from age 18 to 25.

It then studied them again on their perceived stress levels at age 32, and on the quality of their intimate relationships at age 43, to find out whether anger or depression they may have felt as young adults was still affecting those bonds.

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People who experienced a lot of negative emotions when they are teenagers can be more likely to divorce

The findings point to the importance of recognising that early mental health does influence couple relationships and that, in turn, can have social costs later on - such as divorce and domestic violence.

As individuals, people can help themselves by ‘recognising the fact that where they are in their couple relationship now is likely shaped by earlier chapters in their lives,’ Dr Johnson added.

‘It's not only your partner's current behaviour or your current behaviour shaping your relationship, but the story you bring with you.’

Source: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2623324/Being-depressed-angry-teenager-affect-love-life-25-YEARS-later.html

Teen Depression: A Guide for Teenagers

Learn Tips and Tools for Helping Yourself or a Friend

The teenage years can be tough, and it’s perfectly normal to feel sad or irritable every now and then. But if these feelings don’t go away or become so intense that you can’t handle them, you may be suffering from depression. The good news is that you don’t have to feel this way. Help is available and you have more power than you think. There are many things you can do to help yourself or a friend start feeling better.

In This Article:

• What depression feels like
• When teen depression turns deadly
• Talking to your parents
• What you can do to feel better
• Helping a depressed friend

  What depression feels like

When you’re depressed, it can feel like no one understands. But depression is far more common in teens than you may think. You are not alone and your depression is not a hopeless case. Even though it can feel like depression will never lift, it eventually will—and with proper treatment and healthy choices, that day can come even sooner.

Signs and symptoms of teen depression

It's hard to put into words how depression feels, and people experience it differently. There are, however, some common problems and symptoms that teens with depression experience.

You constantly feel irritable, sad, or angry. Nothing seems fun anymore, and you just don’t see the point of trying. You feel bad about yourself—worthless, guilty, or just "wrong" in some way You sleep too much or not enough. You have frequent, unexplained headaches or other physical problems.

Anything and everything makes you cry. You’ve gained or lost weight without consciously trying to. You just can’t concentrate. Your grades may be plummeting because of it. You feel helpless and hopeless . You’re thinking about death or suicide. (If this is true, talk to someone right away!)

Is your friend depressed?

If you’re a teenager with a friend who seems down or troubled, you may suspect depression. But how do you know it’s not just a passing phase or a bad mood? Look for common warning signs of teen depression:

• Your friend doesn’t want to do the things you guys used to love to do.
• Your friend starts using alcohol or drugs or hanging with a bad crowd.
• Your friend stops going to classes and afterschool activities.
• Your friend talks about being bad, ugly, stupid, or worthless.
• Your friend starts talking about death or suicide.

When teen depression turns deadly

If your feelings become so overwhelming that you can’t see any solution besides harming yourself or others, you need to get help right away. And yet, asking for help when you’re in the midst of such strong emotions can be really tough. If talking to a stranger might be easier for you, call 1-800-273-TALK in the U.S. to speak in confidence to someone who can understand and help you deal with your feelings. To find a suicide helpline outside the U.S., visit Befrienders Worldwide.

Coping with suicidal thoughts

In the meantime, the following suggestions can help get you through until you feel ready to talk to someone:

• There is ALWAYS another solution, even if you can’t see it right now. Many kids who have attempted suicide (and survived) say that they did it because they mistakenly felt there was no other solution to a problem they were experiencing. At the time, they could not see another way out, but in truth, they didn’t really want to die. Remember that no matter how horribly you feel, these emotions will pass.
• Having thoughts of hurting yourself or others does not make you a bad person. Depression can make you think and feel things that are out of character. No one should judge you or condemn you for these feelings if you are brave enough to talk about them.
• If your feelings are uncontrollable, tell yourself to wait 24 hours before you take any action. This can give you time to really think things through and give yourself some distance from the strong emotions that are plaguing you. During this 24-hour period, try to talk to someone—anyone—as long as they are not another suicidal or depressed person. Call a hotline or talk to a friend. What do you have to lose?
• If you’re afraid you can’t control yourself, make sure you are never alone. Even if you can’t verbalize your feelings, just stay in public places, hang out with friends or family members, or go to a movie—anything to keep from being by yourself and in danger.

For more suggestions and advice on how to handle suicidal impulses

Read: If You’re Feeling Suicidal

Above all, do not do anything that could result in permanent damage or death to yourself or others. Remember, suicide is a "permanent solution to a temporary problem." Help is available. All you need to do is take that first step and reach out.

Talking to an adult you trust about teen depression

If you are suffering and don’t know where to turn...

In the U.S., call the Nineline.org hotline for children and teens at 1-800-999-9999. It’s free, confidential, and available from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM, Eastern Time, seven days a week.
In the UK, call the Childline.org.uk helpline for children and teens at 0800 1111.
In Australia, call the Lifeline.org.aus 24-hour helpline at 13 11 14.
In Canada, call the KidsHelpPhone.ca helpline at 1-800-668-6868.

It may seem like there’s no way your parents will be able to help, especially if they are always nagging you or getting angry about your behavior. The truth is, parents hate to see their kids hurting. They may feel frustrated because they don’t understand what is going on with you or know how to help.
Many parents don’t know enough about depression to recognize it in their own kids, so it may be up to you to educate them. You can refer them to this site, or look for further information online. Letting your parents know that you are feeling depressed will probably motivate them to get you the help you need.
If your parents are abusive in any way, or if they have problems of their own that makes it difficult for them to take care of you, find another adult you trust (such as a relative, teacher, counselor, or coach). This person can either help you approach your parents, or direct you toward the support you need. If you truly don’t have anyone you can talk to, refer to our resources at the end of this article. There are many hotlines, services, and support groups that can help.
No matter what, talk to someone, especially if you are having any thoughts of harming yourself or others. Asking for help is the bravest thing you can do, and the first step on your way to feeling better.

The importance of accepting and sharing your feelings

It can be hard to open up about how you’re feeling—especially when you’re feeling depressed, hopeless, ashamed, or worthless.
It’s important to remember that everyone struggles with feelings like these at one time or another. They don’t mean you’re weak, fundamentally flawed, or no good. Accepting your feelings and opening up about them with someone you trust will help you feel less alone.
No matter what it feels like, people love and care about you, and if you can muster the courage to talk about your depression, it can—and will—be resolved. Some people think that talking about sad feelings will make them worse, but the opposite is almost always true. It is very helpful to share your worries with someone who will listen and care. They don't need to be able to "fix" you; they just need to be good listeners.

What you can do to feel better: Tips for depressed teens

Beating depression, one day at a time

You can’t beat depression through sheer willpower, but you do have some control—even if your depression is severe and stubbornly persistent. The key to depression recovery is to start with a few small goals and slowly build from there. Read Dealing with Depression

Depression is not your fault, and you didn’t do anything to cause it. However, you do have some control over feeling better. Staying connected to friends and family, making healthy lifestyle decisions, and keeping stress under control can all have a hugely positive impact on your mood.
In the meantime, you might need therapy or medication to help you while you sort out your feelings. Look into your treatment options with your parents. If medication is being considered, do your research before making a decision, as some antidepressants used for adults can actually make teens feel worse.

Try not to isolate yourself

When you’re depressed, you may not feel like seeing anybody or doing anything. Just getting out of bed in the morning can be difficult, but isolating yourself only makes depression worse. Make it a point to stay social, even if that’s the last thing you want to do. As you get out into the world, you may find yourself feeling better.
Spend time with friends, especially those who are active, upbeat, and make you feel good about yourself. Avoid hanging out with those who abuse drugs or alcohol, get you into trouble, or who make you feel insecure. It’s also a good idea to limit the time you spend playing video games or surfing online.

Keep your body healthy

Making healthy lifestyle choices can do wonders for your mood. Things like diet and exercise have been shown to help depression. Ever heard of a "runners high"? Exercising releases a rush of endorphins, which makes you feel instantly happier. You actually get a rush of endorphins from exercising, which makes you feel instantly happier. Physical activity can be as effective as medications or therapy for depression, so get involved in sports, ride your bike, or take a dance class. Any activity helps! Even a short walk can be beneficial.
As for food, an improper diet can make you feel sluggish and tired, which worsens depression symptoms. Your body needs vitamins and minerals such as iron and B-vitamins. Make sure you’re feeding your mind with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Talk to your parents, doctor or school nurse about how to ensure your diet is adequately nutritious.

Avoid alcohol and drugs

You may be tempted to drink or use drugs in an effort to escape from your feelings and get a "mood boost," even if just for a short time. However, substance use can not only make depression worse, but can cause you to become depressed in the first place. Alcohol and drug use can also increase suicidal feelings. In short, drinking and taking drugs will make you feel worse—not better—in the long run.
If you’re addicted to alcohol or drugs, seek help. You will need special treatment for your substance problem on top of whatever treatment you’re receiving for your depression.

Ask for help if you’re stressed

Stress and worry can take a big toll, even leading to depression. Talk to a teacher or school counselor if exams or classes seem overwhelming. Likewise, if you have a health concern you feel you can’t talk to your parents about—such as a pregnancy scare or drug problem—seek medical attention at a clinic or see a doctor. A health professional can help you approach your parents (if that is required) and guide you toward appropriate treatment.
If you’re dealing with relationship, friendship, or family problems, talk to an adult you trust. Your school may have a counselor you can go to for help, or you may want to ask your parents to make an appointment for you to see a therapist.

Helping a depressed friend

Depressed teens typically rely on their friends more than their parents or other adults in their lives, so you may find yourself in the position of being the first—or only—person that they talk to about their feelings. While this might seem like a huge responsibility, there are many things you can do to help.

• Get your friend to talk to you. Starting a conversation about depression can be daunting, but you can say something simple: "You seem like you are really down, and not yourself. I really want to help you. Is there anything I can do?"
• Know that your friend doesn’t expect you to have the answers. Your friend probably just needs someone to listen and be supportive. By listening and responding in a non-judgmental and reassuring manner, you are helping in a major way.
• Encourage your friend to get help. Urge your depressed friend to talk to a parent, teacher, or counselor. It might be scary for your friend to admit to an authority figure that there is a problem. Having you there might help, so offer to go along for support.
• Stick with your friend through the hard times. Depression can make people do and say things that are hurtful or strange. But your friend is going through a very difficult time, so try not to take it personally. Once your friend gets help, he or she will go back to being the person you know and love. In the meantime, make sure you have other friends or family taking care of you. Your feelings are important and need to be respected, too.
• Speak up if your friend is suicidal. If your friend is joking or talking about suicide, giving possessions away, or saying goodbye, tell a trusted adult immediately. Your only responsibility at this point is to get your friend help, and get it fast. Even if you promised not to tell, your friend needs your help. It’s better to have a friend who is temporarily angry at you than one who is no longer alive.

Source: http://www.helpguide.org/mental/depression_teen_teenagers.htm

Study links steroid-dependent asthma to depression

People with severe asthma who rely on prednisone are more than three times more likely to be depressed than those with severe cases who don't use prednisone and those with mild to moderate asthma, according to a new study from The Netherlands.
Prednisone-dependent asthma patients "deserve" screening for depression and anxiety, the authors say, both to alleviate their suffering and possibly improve their physical health through mental health treatment.
"There's a well-established connection with asthma, as well as chronic illness in general, and higher reports of depression than the general population," Dr. Rebecca Hashim told Reuters Health.
Hashim, an attending psychologist at Children's Hospital at Montefiore Medical Center in New York, was not involved in the study.
Prednisone is a steroid anti-inflammatory medication used to treat asthma attacks, often among people with severe symptoms.
Previous research has linked steroid use to depression and other mood problems. And links in both directions have been found between depression and the severity of asthma symptoms.
To examine depression risk among asthma patients, Dr. Marijke Amelink, from the department of Respiratory Medicine at the Academic Medical Centre at the University of Amsterdam, and Dr. Simone Hashimoto, of the Institute of Psychiatry at Leiden University in Leiden, recruited 187 patients.
Among the patients, 67 had severe prednisone-dependent asthma and 47 had severe non-prednisone dependent asthma. Another 73 patients had mild to moderate asthma.
People in the three groups were similar, although prednisone-dependent patients tended to be older, with greater limitations in their ability to breathe.
All patients answered questions about depression and anxiety, as well as questions designed to detect personality traits that could contribute to their risk of mood issues.
The researchers found that patients with severe prednisone-dependent asthma were 3.4 times more likely to be depressed than non-prednisone dependent patients with severe asthma, and 3.5 times more likely to be depressed than patients who had mild to moderate asthma.
The prednisone-dependent patients were also 2.5 times more likely to have anxiety compared to patients with mild to moderate symptoms, but there was no significant difference when compared to those with severe non-prednisone dependent asthma.
The Dutch researchers didn't find any significant differences in personality traits among the participants.
In their report in the journal Respiratory Medicine, the authors point out that non-prednisone-dependent asthma patients had depression and anxiety scores that were similar to those of the general public, while the prednisone-dependent patients had scores similar to patients with other serious medical conditions.
Hashim said the increased risk of depression might be due to the stress of the treatment, rather than severity of illness. This would be similar to other chronic illnesses, such as diabetes, that require complex daily treatment regimens.
"It's not really disease severity so much, but I think what it does speak to is the level of maintenance required," she said, "It reminds you of your illness all the time."
Having long-term untreated depression or anxiety can potentially lead to further illness, especially if it affects patients' ability to take care of their health.
"The more depressed you are, the less likely you're going to be to be able to take care of these responsibilities," she added.
Hashim said it's important for doctors to be screening for depression, adding that caregivers and loved ones can go along on the office visits to express their concerns to their doctors.
Source: http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/02/07/us-steroid-dependent-asthma-idUSBREA161AT20140207

Depression takes another young life; collegians are not immune: Anne Reeves

She was beautiful, brilliant and athletically gifted – the adolescent trifecta that most high school girls would trade almost anything to become.
In her first semester as a triple major at the University of Pennsylvania, the New Jersey dual-sports phenom was already a track star.
She was the third of five in a close-knit family, with lots of close friends. And when she leapt to her death from a Center City Philadelphia parking garage last week, she left a note and gifts for her parents and siblings.
Madison Holleran, 19, took her life on Jan. 17. Just five minutes before her death, she had been talking to friends about meeting them for dinner.
I can’t stop thinking about this lovely, talented young woman who seemed to have it all.
As a parent, you assume that once you get through the stress of SATs, campus visits, applications, and rejection letters, the worst is behind you. Your beloved is going to college. All their dreams are coming true. Their lives are just beginning.
But then something like this happens and you realize that your work is far from over.
I’m not going to start whining about how hard our collegians have it on those beautiful tree-lined campuses. How their lives are so difficult going to cool classes, foreign films, rousing sporting events and fun parties.
Geez, how can you be miserable at college? No job, flexible schedules, no parents. Nirvana! We’d switch places with those kids in a nano-second.

But sadly, there are more Madisons than we know. Good kids who are highly motivated, hardworking and determined. They’re the lucky ones, right?

She was beautiful, brilliant, and athletically gifted – the adolescent trifecta that most high school girls would trade almost anything to become.

But once they land on that strange territory, without the built-in support system of family and friends, they often become unmoored. The students you’d least expect to have trouble are the ones who struggle the most.
The pressure to succeed academically and socially is intense. Alcohol and drugs are prevalent. Even surrounded by thousands of people, they can feel absolutely alone.
Student-athletes face a double whammy, knowing they not only have to get good grades, but must also deliver for their teams.
Madison’s father told NorthJersey.com that his daughter had been depressed, but was getting counseling.
“She told me she was going to see a therapist [this was around noon] and she lied to me because she bought presents for everybody. She really planned this out, I think for months. She is such a perfectionist. She really is,” Jim Holleran said.
“There were no boyfriend issues, no drug issues, there was no mental illness background," said Bob Weckworth, a family friend.
“There is none of that, and on top of that, you had parents who weren’t pushing. Jim just said, ‘Maddie, you don’t have to go back, let’s reload and think this out.' But she was the one who wanted to go back.”
Depression and debilitating anxiety don’t discriminate – State College, Ivy League, small, mammoth. No one is immune.
Kathryn knows that all too well. Her beautiful, talented, athletic daughter started struggling during her junior year at a local high school.
“I would say she was a ‘typical’ teenager. Then suddenly with little warning, the waves started crashing on to shore,” said Kathryn, who did not want to use her real name.
“Relationships with friends and boys became more difficult and the struggle to ‘snap out of it’ became a daily battle. And at some point, I watched helplessly as my little girl was swept away by the undertow of depression and anxiety.”
During her senior year, the young woman committed to play field hockey in college. But one night she reached a low so low, her parents rushed her to the emergency room.
“I remember this odd feeling that we didn’t belong here came over me. We were taking up time and space in a place that was meant for those who were ‘really’ sick or hurt. But she WAS sick and she WAS hurt,” Kathryn said.
She was admitted to a pediatric psychiatric hospital that Kathryn said saved her daughter’s life. But the family did not discuss the situation with others. The stigma of mental illness was too great.
“I remembered thinking if she had surgery to repair a torn ACL, there would have been cards, flowers and hospital visits. If she were diagnosed with cancer, there would be fundraisers and benefit field hockey tournaments, but since it was mental illness there was silence,” Kathryn said.
“It’s not the kind of thing that you want shared in the halls of your high school, in fact, the fear was that it would be whispered behind her back if everyone knew. “
Kathryn’s daughter started college feeling upbeat and hopeful. But sidelining injuries early in the season sent her spiraling back down into depression. Today, the family takes it one day at a time.
“She is a warrior who battles every single day of her life. There is no day off or offseason with depression and anxiety,” she said.
“My hope for everyone else is that they will learn to recognize signs and symptoms of depression and anxiety and garner compassion and understanding for the impact that it has on the lives of those who are engaged in this silent battle.”
One of the downsides for us parents with “adult” children, 18 or older, is that the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act denies us access to their health records without their written consent. So your child might be seeking treatment for a breakdown, but you wouldn’t know.
Some of our depressed kids turn to drugs and alcohol to numb the pain. In one local graduating class, seven students have entered rehab programs.
We do whatever we can to give our kids the best and protect them from the worst. But often that’s not enough. We have to stop pretending they don’t get depressed, telling them “it’s all in their heads,” or to “buck up and get a grip.”
We have to remove the stigma of depression. And parents must be told when their children are talking about suicidal thoughts or feelings, no matter how old they are.
We can’t bear to lose one more child. And we shouldn't.
Source: http://www.pennlive.com/living/index.ssf/2014/01/depression_takes_another_young.html 

Depression

What is depression?

We often use the expression ‘I feel depressed’ when we’re feeling sad or miserable about life. Usually, these feelings pass in due course. But, if the feelings are interfering with your life and don't go away after a couple of weeks, or if they come back, over and over again, for a few days at a time, it could be a sign that you're depressed in the medical sense of the term.

In its mildest form, depression can mean just being in low spirits. It doesn’t stop you leading your normal life, but makes everything harder to do and seem less worthwhile. At its most severe, major depression (clinical depression) can be life-threatening, because it can make you feel suicidal or simply give up the will to live.

There are also some specific forms of depression:

 Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) – this is seasonal depression which is related to day length. It usually comes on in the autumn and winter, when days are short and the sun is low in the sky, and gets better as the days get longer and brighter. (See Understanding seasonal affective disorder.)

Postnatal depression – many mothers have ‘the baby blues’ soon after the birth of their baby, but it usually passes after a day or two. Postnatal depression is a much more serious problem and can occur any time between two weeks and two years after the birth. (See Understanding postnatal depression.)

 Bipolar disorder (manic depression) – some people have major mood swings, when periods of depression alternate with periods of mania. When manic, they are in a state of high excitement, and may plan and may try to carry out over-ambitious schemes and ideas. They often then have periods of severe depression. (See Understanding bipolar disorder.)

Source: http://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/depression/?gclid=CPq1jr_TzboCFfHItAodDXoAcw#.UnjlRlOqJXc