Depression: More than simple sadness

By: Jacquelyn D. Heath
Special to The Milwaukee Times

In a recent interview with People magazine, former first lady Michelle Obama revealed her struggle with low-grade depression during the COVID-19 pandemic. One might wonder how someone as successful, accomplished and admired as Ms. Obama could be plagued by mental illness.

The fact is, depression is a form of mental illness that, although seldom discussed or acknowledged openly, is one of the most common forms of mental illness, as it can affect persons of any race, age, gender or class.

Depression is described as a mood disorder which causes feelings of sadness, worthlessness, loss or anger that interfere with a person’s daily activities. In 2019, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 18.5 percent of American adults have experienced symptoms of depression within any two-week period.

Everyone experiences loss or feelings of hopelessness or helplessness sometime during their lives; that’s simply a part of life’s normal ups and downs. However, if these “blue moods” recur often or last weeks or months and interfere with living a normal life, then it may be time to seek out professional help.

Clinical depression can present a variety of symptoms, including:

• Trouble concentrating or making decisions
• Pessimism
• Guilt feelings
• Sleeplessness or sleeping too much
• Excessive irritability
• Restlessness
• Loss of interest in things formerly enjoyed
• Chronic pain, cramps or aches that don’t go away
• Chronic digestive problems
• Persistent sadness or feelings of emptiness
• Suicidal thoughts or even attempts

Doctors don’t know exactly what causes depression, but they point to a combination of factors, including:

Genetics – a person is more likely to suffer from depression if a close relative also has it;

Brain structure – researchers have found that people with depression exhibit physical differences in their brains;

Hormones – changes in hormone levels can occur at different phases of life or with health conditions, such as puberty, before, during and after pregnancy, menopause, or with illness such as thyroid disease;

Brain chemistry – neurotransmitters (chemical substances that convey impulses between cells) in the brain that are not working correctly can bring on depression symptoms or cause mood swings.

Clinical depression doesn’t “just go away” by itself. If you suffer from depression, it is important to seek professional help and get treatment. The type of treatment depends on the type and severity of the symptoms and may be employed individually or in combination.

Medications include drugs that act as mood stabilizers, anxiety reducers, anti-psychotics, or stimulants.

Psychotherapy includes meeting and talking with health professionals who can help you better understand your feelings and deal with your moods.

Hospitalization may be needed if depression impairs a person’s ability to care for or who may harm themselves or others.

In additional to seeking professional help, self-care in the form of lifestyle habits can help manage the effects of depression.

Regular physical exercise increases the body’s production of endorphins, which are hormones that improve your mood. Drinking adequate water each day prevents dehydration, which can contribute to irritability and anxiety. Avoid alcohol, as it acts as a depressant and can interfere with the production and activity of neurotransmitters. Avoid caffeine, as it can increase production of the stress hormone cortisol. Most importantly, take care of you. This includes getting enough sleep and eating a healthy diet, as well as setting boundaries in your personal and professional life.

The bottom line: Identifying the symptoms and following through with a treatment regimen – including medical, psychological and self-care — is a sure way to address depression and move from darkness into the light of stable overall health, productivity and a life worth living.