Dealing with Depression

If you’re feeling depressed, you’re not alone. More than 18.8 million Americans struggle with this serious medical disorder that can negatively affect your eating, sleeping and thinking patterns.

Lyndra Bills, MD, Medical Director of Lancaster General Behavioral Health, says that too many people with chronic depression don’t get the help they need.

“People just get by,” she says. “They manage to go to work and do their jobs, but they’re still not functioning at their highest levels.”

Although it’s natural to have changes in mood and occasionally feel unhappy, chronic depression isn’t normal. It’s a condition that often intensifies around the holidays because of family, social and financial stresses.

Symptoms of major depression include:

• Ongoing feelings of sadness and anxiety
• Loss of interest in activities that once brought enjoyment
• Excessive crying
• Decreased energy
• Increased restlessness and irritability
• Decreased ability to concentrate and make decisions
• Problems with eating
• Changes in sleep patterns
• Suicidal thoughts
• Increased feelings of guilt, helplessness and/or hopelessness
• Physical symptoms that cannot be treated with standard means (chronic pain, headaches)

If you feel that you’ve been experiencing several of these symptoms for two weeks or more, you should talk with your healthcare provider. Depression is usually diagnosed after a complete psychiatric examination and medical history performed by a psychiatrist or other mental health professional.

Depression can affect virtually anyone, although studies indicate that women are more likely to develop major depression than men. Dr. Bills says that might be because depression can be influenced by hormonal changes, such as those that occur after having a baby (post-partum depression) or around menopause. It is also important to note that traumatic experiences influence the presentation of many psychiatric conditions.

“Depression is the most common mental health issue in the United States. At any one time, 20 percent of Americans are suffering from depression,” says Dr. Bills.

Often when people are depressed, they don’t take care of themselves as they should, which means they eat poorly, don’t exercise and could eventually develop other health conditions.

Dr. Bills states that the World Health Organization projects that depression will be a leading cause of death in years to come because it can contribute to other major health problems.

Treatment for depression varies depending on the severity of the condition, overall state of health and medical history, tolerance for certain medications and treatments and personal preferences.

While treatment could involve medications, psychotherapy, family therapy or electroconvulsive therapy, doctors may also recommend some lifestyle changes.

“Eating right and exercising can often alleviate some of the symptoms of depression,” Dr. Bills says.

According to statistics, nearly two-thirds of the people who have major depression don’t get the help they need. On a positive note, 80 percent of those who do seek help, improve.

“The awareness of good quality mental health treatment has improved over the years,” Dr. Bills says. “You can now find both psychiatrists and therapists who specialize in depression, mood disorders, anxiety and other behavioral health issues.”

Physicians with Lancaster General Behavioral Health often see patients coping with chronic depression. Sometimes these patients’ conditions become so severe that they are admitted to Lancaster General Hospital’s inpatient Behavioral Health Unit. Patients can be admitted to the unit based upon their doctor’s recommendation.

“Our goal is to help people before they reach a state of emergency where they may try to harm themselves or others. They’re admitted to the unit through our emergency department or from therapist and physician offices,” Dr. Bills says.

Behavioral health services are also available for patients being treated for other conditions at Lancaster General Hospital or Lancaster General Women & Babies Hospital.

If you think you or someone you know may be suffering from depression, talk to your doctor or employee assistance counselor.