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Health Library ~ Family Medicine in Mullica Hill, NJAll Material copyright Craig M. Wax, DO unless otherwise denoted. DEPRESSION Can't Shake the Blues? Learn How to Cope with Depression Copyright American Osteopathic Association
Approximately 30 million Americans deal with depression at some point in their lives. One out of six of these individuals will battle severe depression. Once a condition that was more commonly associated with seniors, depression among youth-especially young women-is on the rise. "I believe that the number of young people diagnosed with depression is growing for two reasons," says Robert R. Coleman, D.O., an osteopathic family physician in Alabama. "First of all, physicians are now more willing to diagnose and classify young individuals with clinical depression. Secondly, many young people are taking over adult roles and responsibilities in the home, often because both parents work, and this puts increased stress on those young people." Know the Signs * Persistent sad, anxious, or "empty" mood * Sleeping too little or too much * Changes in weight or appetite * Loss of pleasure or interest in activities * Feeling restless or irritable * Persistent physical symptoms of illness that don't respond to treatment * Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions * Fatigue or loss of energy * Feeling guilty, hopeless, or worthless * "Accidental" drug overdoses * Giving cherished items * Persistent thoughts of suicide or death Other common signs of depression among young women include irritability, angry outbursts, and problems in school. Getting to the Root of the Problem The Need to Get Help According to various estimates, approximately 250,000 teens attempt suicide each year. Of this number, 2,000 teens succeed in their attempt, making suicide the leading cause of death among young women in the United States. Overcoming Depression For others, however, battling depression might not be a one-person job. Such people may require intensive counseling, psychotherapy or medication. "Anti-depressants have proven themselves to be very effective at battling depression," says Dr. Coleman. "But, physicians must prescribe the correct dosage for the patient and do a thorough follow-up to see if the medication is helping." "I take the time to listen to my patients and learn more about their lifestyle and family history," he says. "Often times, the key to unlocking people from the chains of depression lies in lifestyle issues or family issues." As physicians who emphasize prevention and wellness, D.O.s strongly support the U.S. Surgeon General's Healthy People 2010 initiative in the quest to improve quality of life and increase the number of years of a healthy life. The American Osteopathic Association (AOA) reminds you that November 12-18 is National Osteopathic Medicine Week. This year's target group is young women from the ages of 12 to 24. During this time, osteopathic physicians (D.O.s) will work to raise awareness among young women regarding the many issues they face as they strive to maintain healthy lifestyles. In addition, D.O.s plan to educate them on how preventive care can help maintain good health throughout their lives. D.O.s are fully licensed physicians who have additional training that focuses on the body's structure and function as well as its ability to heal itself. For more information on osteopathic medicine or to locate
a D.O. in your area, call the AOA at 1.800.621.1773, ext. 8252 or visit
the AOA's Did You Know... ? * More than 15 million Americans suffer clinical depression at any given moment. * Another 15 million Americans experience mild depression. * 16,000 people commit suicide a year due to depression. * Each year 250,000 teens attempt suicide. * Each year 2,000 teens commit suicide. * Women are twice as likely as men to suffer from depression. Sources: Freedom From Fear, National Alliance for the Mentally Ill, National Depression Screening Day, PlanetRx, American Osteopathic Association, and the Auxiliary to American Osteopathic Association. You can contact these organizations for more information: Freedom From Fear National Alliance for the Mentally Ill National Depression Screening Day AAOA (Auxiliary to AOA) |
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