1. Evaluation: Resources and References
First step is to get a physical exam done by your
health care provider to see if you have any physical
reasons for depression symptoms, like certain medi-
Compton, M. & Nemeroff . (2006). Depression and Bipolar
Disorder. ACP Medicine. Retrieved on September 29,
Depression
2007 from Mescape Nurses: http://www.medscape.com/
cations, viral illness, etc.
If physical cause is ruled out they will do a psycho-
logical evaluation either by your health care pro-
viewarticle/536897
Food and Drug Administration Office of Women’s Health. And You!!!
(2007). Depression. Retrieved on September 28,2007 from:
vider, or by referral to a psychiatrist or psychologist.
http://www.fda.gov/womens/getthefacts/pdfs/
Treatment:
depression.pdf
Psychotherapy: Many forms of psychotherapy, where Fram, D. (2006). WebMD: Depression guide. Retrieved on Sep
you meet with a professional psychologist or psychia- -tember 29, 2007 from: http://www.webmd.com/
trist to work on your depression through talk ther- depression/guide/default.htm
apy, behavioral therapy and others. Medline Plus: A service of the U.S. National Library of Medi-
Medications: There are many different medications cine and the Nation Institute of Health. (2007). Depres-
used to treat depressive disorders. These include sion. Retrieved on September 28, 2007 from: http://
newer medications such as elective serotonin reup- www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/depression.html.
take inhibitors (SSRIs) the tricyclics, and the mono- Mayo Clinic. (2007) Depression. Retrieved on September 29,
amine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). . Some medica- 2007 from: http://mayoclinic.com/health/depression/
tions must be stopped gradually to give the body DS00175
time to adjust. Never stop taking an antidepressant Medem & American Psychiatric Association. ( 2001). A Closer
without consulting the doctor for instructions on look at major depression. Retrieved on September 19, 2007
how to safely discontinue the medication Never from: http://www.medem.com/search/article_display.cfm?
take or mix any medication prescribed, over the path=TANQUERAYM_ContentItem&mstr=/
counter (OTC), or borrowed without talk to your M_ContentItem/ZZZ3J5DV2KC.html&soc=Medem-
health care provider first. APA&srch_typ=NAV_SERCH
Herbal Supplements: Always talk to you health National Institute of Mental Health. (2000) Depression: A
care provider first before taking any herbal supple- complete publication. Retrieved on September 28, 2007
ment. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) from: http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/
conducted a 3-year study on the use of St. John’s depression/summary.shtml.
Wort (Hypericum perforatum in Latin) for Major
Depression. The study did not support the use of St.
John’s Wort as a treatment of major depression,
NIH supported research, will be doing more research
into the possibility of it being a treatment for milder
forms of depression. The Food and Drug Associa- Painting by Vincent van Gogh, he who self suffered from depression .
tion (FDA) issued a issued a Public Health Advisory
on February 10, 2000. Stating that St. John’s Wort
affects a major metabolic pathway used by medica- Retrieved from : http://www.cavalierdaily.com/CVArticle.asp?ID=20424&pid=1179
tions used to treat: AIDS, heart disease, depression,
seizures, certain cancers, and rejection of transplants. Nashoba Associated Boards of Health Presented by
This could lead to serious drug interactions. Always Nashoba Associated Boards of Health &
talk to you health care provider first before taking 30 Central Avenue
any herbal supplement. Ayer, MA 01532 Atlantic Union College Students:
Many other treatments are available so talk to your health
Phone: (978)772-3335 or (800) 427-9762 Dyanne Rodriguez, RN &
care provider today.
Fax: (978) 772-4947 Sandria L. Savage, RN
Website: www.nashoba.org

2. Symptoms Of Depression
Depression Some Types of Depression:
Major Depression: is a combination of severe depression Persistent sad, anxious, or “empty” mood
Have you ever felt depressed? At one time or symptoms that interfere with the ability to work, study, Crying a lot
sleep, eat, and enjoy once pleasurable activities. These
another everybody has felt depressed, sad, or blue. Feelings of hopelessness, negativity
episodes can only happen once, but generally happen
This can be a normal reaction to what life throws several times throughout a life time. Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, helplessness
at us; loss, life struggles, etc, but it usually passes. Bipolar (Manic-Depressive) Disorder:: Doesn’t happen Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and
When this becomes intense and last for a long time as often as other types of depression. It is when you have activities that were once enjoyed, including sex
(more than 2 weeks), and have trouble managing repeating mood changes with several highs (mania) then Decreased energy, fatigue, being “slowed
normal life, it could be a sign an illness of depres- several lows (depression). Mania, left untreated could
down”, feeling tired all the time
lead to a psychosis.
sion. Chronic Depression (Dysthmia): Chronic depression Difficulty concentrating, remembering, making
Depression is a common and serious illness that symptoms offer a long period of time, sometimes for decisions
affects your mind, body, and thoughts. In any given years,. The symptoms don’t disable, so they are able to Insomnia (difficult sleeping), early-morning
1 year period, function, but not well or feeling good, seem unhappy. awakening, or oversleeping
9.5% of the popu- Many time they will have episodes of major depression , Appetite and/or weight loss or overeating and
and will swing back to chronic depression. weight gain. No interest in eating or eating too
lation about 20.9
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): Is depression that much or all the time
million Ameri- happens at the same time every year, usually starting in
Restlessness, irritability
can Adults will fall or winter and ending in spring or early summer.
suffer from a This is more than just the winter blues. There is a rare Persistent physical symptoms that do not re-
form of SAD called Summer Depression., which begins spond to treatment, such as headaches, diges-
depressive illness.
late spring or early summer and ends in fall tive disorders, and chronic pain
Depression inter-
Postpartum Depression: is a complex mix of physical, Thoughts of death or suicide; suicide attempts
feres with normal emotional, and behavioral changes that occur after giv- Symptoms of Mania
functioning. ing birth, as the result of chemical, social, and psycho-
logical changes to having a baby. 50-75% of new moms Abnormal or excessive elation
Depression not
only causes pain experience baby blues (usually subside within 2 weeks) Unusual irritability
after delivery. 10% of these women will develop more Decreased need for sleep
for those with the disorder, but for those who care
severe long lasting symptoms of postpartum depression.
about them. However, depression is a treatable Grandiose (extravagant) notions
1 in 1000 women will develop a serious condition called
illness, making most of this suffering preventable. postpartum psychosis. Increased talking
Most people with depression don’t seek treat- Psychotic Depression: Affects about 25% of people Racing thoughts
ment, even though those with the most severe admitted to hospitals with depression. Includes symp- Increased sexual desire
depression can be helped. Many people don’t toms of depression along with symptoms of psychosis;
Markedly increased energy
like hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren't
believe that depression is a treatable illness, but really there) or delusions (irrational thoughts and fears). Poor judgment
there are many successful treatments available. Inappropriate social behavior
Depression happens in men, women, children, Cause of Depression: Warning Signs of Suicide
and adolescents. Women are two time more likely Depression can run in families, which seems to be inher- Thoughts or talk of death or suicide
to suffer from depression then men. Depression ited. But many people have depression with no family
history. Major depressive disorder associated with Thoughts or talk of self-harm or harm to others
can happen to anyone. Depression is linked to
changes in brain structure and function. Medical illness Aggressive behavior or impulsiveness
suicide which is the 1st leading cause of death for
such as heart disease, strokes, Parkinson’s Disease, and If you or some one you know is having thoughts of
10-24 year olds and the 4th leading cause of death other s may trigger depressive episode. Low self esteem suicide call 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433) or 1-
for 18-35 year olds. may lead to depression. 800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) or the deaf hotline
at 1-800-799-4889 to be connected to your nearest
crisis center, or go to your nearest Emergency room.