Estimates of depression rates vary considerably but it has been suggested that it will occur in 15 – 20 % of all people over a lifetime. In every 12 months about 10% of the population experiences an episode of significant depression. At this moment it is estimated that 121 million people are suffering from depression throughout the world. Depression is a major problem.
Depression typically has the symptoms of sadness, loss of energy, feelings of guilt and anxiety and loss of self esteem. There can be changes in appetite and sleep. The depressive illness can range from interfering with our usual activities and relationships (mild to moderate depression) to making it hard to relate or communicate with others or to do day-to-day tasks ( debilitating or severe depression). Depression symptoms can affect anyone regardless of race, culture and social class. It can affect men, women, children, adolescents and the elderly. However, how a depressed preschooler looks will probably be different from an 80 year old.
Depression and the young
Children who are depressed loose interest in the activities that they have previously enjoyed. They may not be able to connect how they feel to words like sad or down but they show the signs of a change of appetite, irritability, sleep problems and low energy. They tend not to mix with the other children at school. Children who are depressed may have themes of death and loss in their play (all children include such ideas sometimes – but they show up more often in depressed children,)
There is an increasing rate of depression among young people (from preschoolers to young adults). It is likely that the reported rates of depression are lower than the real numbers as parents and professionals often fail to recognise the problem.
Depression and the elderly
Many people view old age as depressing – there is often a decline in health and an increase in disability. There is also the loss of friends and loved ones. Some sadness and feelings of grieve associated with the losses are to be expected and indeed it is important to grieve losses. Depression however, is not an inevitable part of old age. Depression in the elderly will look similar to depression in any age group but the elderly are more likely to talk about their aches and pains than their feelings. Depression can interfere with memory – so depression needs to be considered in short term memory problems and not just Alzheimer’s or dementia. If asked about depression the elderly often scoff at the idea and this can stop them from getting the support and assistance they need to overcome the problem.
Elderly men are particularly at the risk of suicide.
Depression and men
Men often tend to cover up their feelings of depression and keep the idea that they may be depressed hidden from others. They see being depressed as a sign of weakness. They have been taught from childhood that mental illness and emotional problems are unmanly and they cover up negative feelings. Rather then admit their feelings men commonly turn to alcohol, cigarettes and other drugs to cope. Some express anger, irritability and sarcasm. Some will admit to the loss of energy, altered appetite, aches and poor sleep. However the unwillingness to consider that they are depressed means that they can be reluctant to seek help and support for overcoming the problems
Depression and women
Women tend to suffer from depression more than men (at least in the number of cases that are reported). The rates of depression during pregnancy, after childbirth and prior to menopause are higher than at other times. There also social and cultural factors such as sexual and physical abuse, juggling childcare, housework and a career, stress and low income. Depression during or after childbirth is a major problem – over 400,000 cases occur every year in the United States. Eight out of ten women will experience some form of alteration to their moods during or following pregnancy.
Depression is a problem that has many faces – it affects men women and children of all races and cultures. The way these groups appear can be sightly different but they all experience the feelings of sadness, They can also have the loss of energy, change of appetite, aches, lowered self esteem and poor sleep. There are many things that can be done to overcome depression. If you are depressed, particularly of you are suffering from severe depression, you need to seek professional assistance. You can also obtain support and assistance from Growerz overcome depression program.
By: Dr Jenny Tylee
© 2010 Depression Medicine
