Hilton Head Monthly Magazine

Special to Monthly By Dr. Laura Rosenbaum-Bloom

Depression affects about 1 out of five women and 1 out of ten men.  It is very difficult to tell when you are suffering from a clinical depression or just suffering from a few difficult days.  If you feel like your life is difficult to manage and getting out of control, maybe it is time to begin to ask why.

Feeling down from time to time is a normal part of life.  But when emptiness and despair take hold and won’t go away, it may be depression. More than just the temporary “blues”, the lows of depression make it tough to function and enjoy life like you once did. Hobbies and friends don’t interest you like they used to; you’re exhausted all the time’ and just getting through the day can be overwhelming.  When you’re depressed, things may feel hopeless, but with help and support you can get better. But first, you need to understand depression.  Learning about depression-including its sign, symptoms, causes and treatment-is the first step to overcoming the problem.

Signs and symptoms of depression

Depression varies from person to person, but there are some common signs and symptoms.  It’s important to remember that these symptoms can be part of life’s normal lows. But the more symptoms you have, the stronger they are, and the longer they’ve lasted-the more likely it is that you’re dealing with depression. When these symptoms are overwhelming and disabling, that’s when it’s time to seek help.

Common signs and symptoms

• Feelings of helplessness and hopelessness. –A bleak outlook-nothing will ever get better and there’s nothing you can do improve your situation.

• Loss of interest in daily activities.-No interest in former hobbies, pastimes, social activities, or sex. You’ve lost your ability to feel joy and pleasure.

• Appetite or weight changes. –Significant weight loss or weight gain-a change of more than 5% of body weight in a month.

• Sleep changes.-Either insomnia, especially waking in the early hours of the morning, or oversleeping (also known as hypersomnia).

• Irritability or restlessness.-Feeling agitated, restless or on edge. Your tolerance level is low; everything and everyone gets on your nerves.

• Loss of energy.-Feeling fatigued, sluggish and physically drained.  Your whole body may feel heavy, and even small tasks are exhausting or take longer to complete.

• Self-loathing.-Strong feelings of worthlessness or guilt. You harshly criticize yourself for perceived faults and mistakes.

• Concentration problems.-Trouble focusing, making decisions, or remembering things.

• Unexplained aches and pains. –An increase in physical complaints such as headaches, back pain, aching muscles and stomach pain.

• Thoughts of Suicide-Talking about killing or harming one’s self.

If you are concerned about the above signs and symptoms, it may be time to seek professional help.

Seek professional help

If positive lifestyle changes and support from family and friends aren’t enough, seek help from a mental health professional. There are many effective treatments for depression, including therapy, medication, and alternative treatments. Learning about your options will help you decide what measures are most likely to work best for your particular situation.

Dr. Rosenbaum-Bloom can be reached at 342-6000.