Depression

What is Depression?

Although we all feel down sometimes, depression is much more than simply having a bad day. Depression is a chronic mood disorder that permeates every aspect of life, causing intense feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and apathy. It’s a serious mental health condition that requires understanding and medical care. Left untreated, depression can be devastating for those who have it and their families. Fortunately, with early detection, diagnosis and a treatment plan consisting of medication, psychotherapy and healthy lifestyle choices, many people can and do get better.

Causes of Depression:

Depression does not have a single cause. It can be triggered by a life crisis, physical illness, or something else—but it can also occur spontaneously. Scientists believe several factors can contribute to depression:

Trauma. When people experience trauma at an early age, it can cause long-term changes in how their brains respond to fear and stress. These changes may lead to depression.
Genetics. Mood disorders, such as depression, tend to run in families.
Life circumstances. Marital status, relationship changes, financial standing and where a person lives influence whether a person develops depression.
Brain changes. Imaging studies have shown changes in the brain structure and function when a person is depressed. Depression is also associated with changes in how the hormonal system in the body works.
Other medical conditions. People who have a history of sleep disturbances, medical illness, chronic pain, anxiety, and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are more likely to develop depression. Some medical syndromes (like hypothyroidism) can mimic depressive disorder. Some medications can also cause symptoms of depression.
Drug and alcohol misuse. Adults with a substance use disorder are at significantly higher risk for experiencing a major depressive episode. Co-occurring disorders (that is depressive disorder and substance use disorder) require coordinated treatment for both conditions.

What are symptoms of Depression?

Depression symptoms can vary from mild to severe and can include:

Feeling sad or having a depressed mood
Loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed
Changes in appetite — weight loss or gain unrelated to dieting
Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much
Loss of energy or increased fatigue
Increase in purposeless physical activity (e.g., inability to sit still, pacing, handwringing) or slowed movements or speech. These actions must be severe enough to be observed by others
Feeling worthless or guilty
Difficulty thinking, concentrating, or making decisions
Thoughts of death or suicide

Symptoms must last at least two weeks and must represent a change in your previous level of functioning for a diagnosis of depression. It is important to remember that people can be distressed by these symptoms without meeting diagnostic criteria. Treatment can help.

Depression in First Responders:

Depression affects an estimated one in 15 adults (6.7%) in any given year. And one in six people (16.6%) will experience depression at some time in their life. EMS, Police Officers, Firefighters, 911 Dispatcher and Corrections Officers are not exempt from depressive disorders and may experience or be exposed to more situations that could trigger depressive symptoms.

Treatment Options:

Although depression can be hard to manage at times, it can be treated. Treatment can include any or a combination of the following treatment options:

Psychotherapy including cognitive behavioral therapy, family-focused therapy, and interpersonal therapy
Medications such as antidepressants which have low side effect profile
Exercise and lifestyle changes can help with prevention and alleviate mild-to-moderate symptoms
Brain stimulation therapies can be tried if psychotherapy and/or medication are not effective. These include electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) for depressive disorder with psychosis or repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) for severe depression
Light therapy, which uses a light box to expose a person to full spectrum light to regulate the hormone melatonin
Alternative approaches including acupuncture, meditation, faith, and nutrition can be part of a comprehensive treatment plan

If not treated, chronic depression not only reduces a person’s ability to function and enjoy life, but also can have long term detrimental impact on the brain and physical health.

For more information on how to access a provider for assessment and treatment of possible Depression please see https://fst5.org/treatment/

Sources:

https://nami.org/About-Mental-Illness/Mental-Health-Conditions/Depression

https://www.firstresponder-wellness.com/mental-wellness/depression/

https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/depression/what-is-depression

https://theconversation.com/the-exercise-pill-how-exercise-keeps-your-brain-healthy-and-protects-it-against-depression-and-anxiety-155848

https://www.cnn.com/2019/02/04/health/life-you-evolved-for-partner/index.html