Quick Q's and A's

Q: I'm afraid to talk to anyone about being so down and out. This has been going on for weeks. What if this is as good as it gets?

A: First of all, being afraid to talk about your feelings is natural. Try talking with someone you trust — your doctor is a good person to start with. If it turns out that you are going through a bout of depression, the good news is that depression is one of the most treatable medical illnesses! There is a light at the end of the tunnel.

Q: Will people think less of me if they know I am depressed?

A: Depression is not a sign of weakness. It's a common medical illness that can be treated. If you are depressed, people who know and love you will most likely think more of you for getting treatment.

Q: I'm not feeling sad. But I am very agitated and I have a short fuse. My neighbor says I could be depressed. Is that true?

A: Yes it is. Not everyone with depression cries or is sad. Some people feel angry or out of sorts. Some people no longer enjoy their hobbies or spending time with friends or family. Others lose their appetite. Some eat more than usual. Some people want to sleep all the time. Others wake often during the night. Occasionally, people will begin to wish they would die or have thoughts about hurting themselves. Click on "Are You Depressed?" and take the quiz to learn more about the signs of depression.

Q: Is it true that depression is an illness? I thought I just wasn't trying hard enough to be happy.

A: Yes, depression is an illness. It can be treated--just like heart disease or diabetes. The key is to get treatment. Talk with your doctor about things you can do to gain control over depression. Some people do well with medicines. Others prefer talking to a counselor. Still others find a blend of the two therapies does the trick. Some people feel less depressed when they exercise and do things they enjoy. Each person is different.

Q: Who gets depression?

A: Depression can strike anyone at any age. We know that women are twice as likely to get depressed as men. Depression also occurs more often in people who suffer from anxiety disorders like panic attacks, phobia, and generalized anxiety. People who abuse drugs and alcohol sometimes use these substances because they are depressed and they want to feel better. In other cases, certain substances like alcohol can lead to feelings of depression. When depression runs in your family, you have a greater chance of getting depression.

Certain medical problems are associated with depression, too. These illnesses include heart disease--especially heart attacks, congestive heart failure, and heart bypass surgery. Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, strokes, and diabetes are also related to depression.

Q: Is it true that older people are more depressed than younger people?

A: No, this is not true. Depression occurs more commonly in people who have medical problems. Some older people have more medical conditions than younger people do, so it may seem as if they are more prone to depression.

Q: How do I know if it's just the blues or depression?

A: Everyone feels down once in a while. If you've been feeling low most of the day almost every day for 2 weeks or more, though, click on "Are You Depressed?" Take the quiz to find out if you have any of the signs of depression.

Q: How long does treatment for depression last?

A: If this is the first time in your life that you have been depressed, you will need treatment for about 6 to 9 months.

About half of people who become depressed once will have a second bout of depression at some time during their life. If this is the second (or more) time that you have been depressed, the chance that you will become depressed again is very high. You will need to stay in treatment so that this doesn't happen.

Q: My doctor recommended that I start taking antidepressants. How long will they take to work?

A: About 2 of 3 people who begin to take an antidepressant will get better. Those who don't feel better may need to try 2 or more different antidepressants until the one that helps them is found.

Antidepressants take 4 to 6 weeks to work and the person has to be taking the right amount. Usually your doctor will start with a small amount of the medicine and, little by little, increase the dose. Unfortunately, there is no blood test to show how much medicine is best or which antidepressant is best for you. You and your doctor have to try and see what happens.

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Brigham & Women's Hospital, Boston, MA 02215
URL: http://www.positiveaging.org/consumer/depression_qsas.shtml
Category: Depression Tips & Extras
Page Name: Quick Q's and A's