Everyone feels “down” sometimes. It’s normal to grieve over the death of a loved one, a serious illness, the loss of a job or even retirement. But when does normal sadness turn into depression, and what can be done about it?

Contrary to what many people believe, depression is not a normal part of life or a sign of personal weakness. Rather, depression is a treatable medical illness with defined symptoms and prescribed treatment regimens. Chemicals in the brain, known as neurotransmitters, are responsible for regulating our emotions. Depression occurs when
there’s an imbalance among these neurotransmitters causing a communication disruption.

Depression can occur at any stage of life, but some stages, such as adolescence and older adulthood, are particularly challenging. In fact, suicide rates are the highest among individuals over age 65.

Recognizing depression

The symptoms of depression can vary among individuals. Common symptoms include loss of interest in normal activities and feelings of emptiness, apathy and withdrawal. A person may also be unable to concentrate, have problems sleeping, lose his or her appetite or have other physical complaints.

Standard treatments for depression include psychotherapy, antidepressant medication or a combination of both.

Learning how to cope

Psychotherapy helps patients manage their thoughts, feelings and behaviors. Cognitive behavior therapy focuses on changing negative thought patterns and learning coping skills for a more productive and satisfying life. Antidepressant medications that help restore the  natural balance of brain chemicals are often enough to relieve depression. These drugs are non-addictive, and many newer antidepressants have fewer side effects than earlier ones. Antidepressants take effect gradually, so it can take a few weeks before patients notice that the medication is working. Unfortunately, most people who are depressed don’t seek help because they don’t recognize that they need it or they perceive depression as a personal failing and are embarrassed to admit they need help.

When depression is part of a larger problem

Depression is sometimes a secondary effect of medication, lifestyle behaviors or another medical condition. Among the possible causes are:

• medications (such as high blood pressure,
  heart and glaucoma medications, corticosteroids
  and certain antihistamines)
• a recent infectious illness such as the flu,
  mononucleosis or hepatitis
• thyroid problems
• hormonal disturbances, such as menopause
• diabetes
• poor diet or lack of exercise
• lack of sunlight (known as seasonal affective
  disorder, which occurs during the dark fall and
  winter months)

The road to recovery

Recovery from depression is a lifelong process that builds on individual strengths and focuses on building wellness tools to enhance your quality of life. Some key components of recovery include education and support. It’s essential that individuals experiencing depression seek treatment. Depression is a treatable illness, and prompt treatment speeds the recovery process.