Does the approaching holiday season create more stress than pleasure? Are you overwhelmed by pressure to purchase gifts, places to go, with seemingly endless tasks to accomplish? Could it just be the “holiday blues” or is it depression?
Clinical depression is different than the “holiday blues.” Symptoms are more intense, persistent, and last longer. They may start to interfere with your life, often creating difficulties with work and relationships. True depression involves both the mind and body. It affects how we think, feel, and behave. Depression is a real medical condition, like high blood pressure, and it is treatable.
One in eight adults will develop depression during their lifetime. Women are twice a likely to develop depression as men. Risk factors for developing depression include having a stressful life, diagnosed with a serious illness, recent child birth, and substance abuse.
In addition, certain prescription medication used to treat sleep disorders, blood pressure, and birth control pills, can increase your chance of developing clinical depression.
The exact cause of depression is not fully understood. It is believed to be related to a combination of factors, such as an imbalance of biochemicals in the brain (neurotransmitters and/or hormones), environmental or situational factors, and genetics. If you have a family member diagnosed with depression, you are at higher risk of developing it over time.
Symptoms of depression typically are both emotional and physical, with a wide range of presentation. Emotional symptoms may consist of poor concentration and focus, irritability, frustration, anger, worry, anxiety, feeling guilty and/or sad, low energy, crying, decrease sexual drive or interest, and appetite changes. Physical symptoms may consist of sleep disturbances, headaches, back and/or neck pain, stomach discomfort, and weight fluctuations.
There are many things you can do on your own to feel better. First, focus on the basics. Exercise for 30 minutes, 5-7 days a week. An adult needs 7-9 hours of consistent, uninterrupted sleep every night. Eat three nutritionally well-balanced meals every day. Try to decrease your overall stress level.
Second, consider trying over-the-counter supplements. Omega-3 fatty acids can help lessen symptoms of depression (2,000 to 4,000 mg a day). Or, eat more food rich in omega-3, such as walnuts, soybeans, fish and/or flax seed. Another excellent over-the-counter supplement is St. John’s Wort. This natural herbal supplement may help decrease symptoms and improve your mood. However, if you are on prescription medications, consult with a doctor before beginning treatment with this product.
Lastly, if these tips do not markedly help, or if symptoms of depression last longer than two weeks, make an appointment to see a doctor. Seek immediate medical attention at anytime if you develop suicidal thoughts.
Dr. Linda Petter, of Auburn, is a weekly feature on the ABC affiliate KOMO TV/Newsradio in Seattle (1000 AM & 97.7 FM) every Sunday live 7:45 a.m. She trained at the Mayo Clinic and the University of Illinois, Carle Hospital. Dr. Petter is Chief of the Department of Family Practice at St. Francis Hospital in Federal Way. Her books, “Healthcare On a Budget” and “Common Medical Sense”, are available on Amazon.com. Please visit her website, DocForAll.com.
