Major Depression: A Silent Killer

All depression is not the same. There are times when you may feel sad, lonely or hopeless for a few days or feel depressed. However, major depression also known as “clinical depression” lasts longer having a disabling effect. It can prevent a depressed person from doing normal every day activities. In addition, the symptoms of major depression are present daily – lasting for most of the day or weeks for a period of two or more years. If left untreated, major depression is life threatening.

Depression is a mood disorder that can affect anyone, regardless of age, race, socioeconomic status or gender. Symptoms ranging from mild to severe and it impacts the way you feel, think and behave, according to the American Psychiatric Association.

Know The Facts About Major Depression

According to the U.S. National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH):

Major depression is common. An estimated 21 million adults have experienced major depression at least once. It’s one of the most common mental health disorders in the United States.

Major depression is serious. Major depression leads to impairment that impacts your ability to function on a day-to-day basis. Simple activities like eating, sleeping, working and concentrating can become almost impossible. It can lead to feelings of guilt and worthlessness and suicidal thoughts or attempts.

Psychiatrists still don't completely understand depression, but most believe it's caused by a combination of biological and environmental factors. Many people who are depressed have a family history of depression or other mental illness. For other people, traumatic life events -- abandonment; violence in the family; chronic problems in school; a difficult move; or physical, sexual, or emotional abuse or neglect at home, school, or by other trusted caregivers -- often trigger depression. Sometimes a loss such as the death of beloved pet, a loved one, or parents' divorce, can result in depression as well as grieving.

They may not know the exact cause, but scientists do know that depression is related to changes in brain chemistry. The specific changes involve chemicals called neurotransmitters, which help relay messages from one nerve cell to another. When there is a drop in certain neurotransmitters, the brain doesn't function normally, leading to depression and other forms of mental illness.

Major Depression Is Treatable

Depression is treated with psychotherapy and/or medication. Antidepressant medication is necessary in some cases and has saved countless lives. But studies have also shown that, like Prozac or similar medications, cognitive behavioral therapy and interpersonal therapy can often ease depression within several weeks. And counseling -- unlike medications alone -- can also give you life-long tools for warding off depression. Studies show that patients who participate in or attend counseling are less likely to suffer a relapse. Experts at NIMH remind patients that treatment is a process. It can take time to find a regimen that’s effective.

Know The Signs Of Major Depression

The signs and symptoms of major depression may be masked or minimized by those who suffer from it as well as family and friends. When it does not respond to traditional medical and psychological treatments, the depressed person may give up all hope of recovery, resort to substance abuse or commit suicide as a way out.

It is important to know the signs and symptoms of major depression and suicide as important cues may be missed when things go terribly wrong.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, you should suspect depression if a person has five or more of the following symptoms for at least two weeks:

• Frequent feelings of sadness or emptiness
• Loss of interest in pleasurable activities
• Unusual eating or sleeping patterns
• Excessive crying
• Thoughts of suicide and death;
• Fatigue
• Difficulty concentrating or remembering
• Feelings of worthlessness, helplessness, or hopelessness
• Irritability
• Unexplained aches and pains that don't respond to treatment.

Risk Factors For Suicide

Major depression can disrupt your work, leisure activities, sex life, sleep, and appetite. It's hard to live your life when you aren't feeling yourself. Coupled with thoughts of suicide, it can be life-threatening.

The following are risk factors for suicide: however many people with these risk factors are not necessarily suicidal.

• Depression and other mental disorders and feeling alone
• Substance abuse (often in combination with other mental disorders)
• Prior suicide attempt
• Family history of suicide
• Family violence including physical or sexual abuse
• Firearms in the home
• Incarceration
• Exposure to suicidal behaviors of family members or peers

How To Help Someone Dealing With Depression

When someone you care about is experiencing symptoms of depression, it can be hard to know what to do, what to say, or how to help.

What can that look like?

Here are a few suggestions on how to help someone with depression.

Educate yourself about depression

Learn about the signs, symptoms and treatment options for depression. Understand that it can impact people in different ways. 

Be present

It’s important to show you care by validating feelings and acknowledging and respecting how they feel. Active listening is one way to do this. This means making eye contact, asking open-ended questions, listening to understand, and holding back on making judgments.

Be a partner

There are times when depression interferes with activities of daily living, like making a meal or doing laundry. Offer to cook dinner or do laundry with your loved one. It’s a great way to encourage them to be active and avoid isolation. Working side-by-side on a task can be an opportunity for a discussion on a deeper level.

Keep them connected

Isolation is a symptom of depression. You might notice your friend or family member spending more time alone. But isolation can make it easier for major depression to get worse. Consider inviting them to join you to get out, even if it’s for a short period of time. For example, invite them on a quick trip to their favorite store or the drive-thru at a fast-food restaurant. Remember, you aren’t forcing them to do something they don’t want to do -- you’re walking beside them.

Encourage healthy activities

Exercise, eating a healthy diet and meditation can help ease symptoms of depression. But the person you love might not feel like exercising or meditating. The goal is to invite them to join you in one of these activities. You can provide support by engaging in healthy activities together, like going for a short walk or following guided mediation on YouTube.

Support them in seeking professional help for depression

As frustrating as it can be, you can’t force your friend or family member to get help for major depression or other mental health concerns. However, you can encourage them to seek help and be there when they’re ready. One way is to help them research therapy options or offer to sit with them while they make those important calls.

It's critical to understand if your loved one discloses they want to end their life or talks about suicide. Call or text 988 immediately for free and confidential help available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Living with depression is challenging, and watching someone you love go through depression is tough, too. Supporting them makes the journey a little easier for both of you.