Everyone feels down now and again. But if you can’t “just snap out of it,” and the sad mood persists, it’s time to see your family doctor.

When doctors talk about depression, they mean a condition called “major depression.” Someone who has major depression has some of the symptoms listed for signs of major depression nearly every day, all day, for 2 weeks or longer.

If you’re depressed, you may also have headaches, other aches and pains, digestive problems or problems with sex. Older people who are depressed may also feel confused or have trouble understanding simple requests.

What causes depression

Depression seems to be related to a chemical imbalance in the brain. It can be triggered by stressful events, such as the death of someone you love, a divorce or job loss. Certain medicines, drugs and alcohol, or chronic illnesses can trigger depression. It also seems to run in families.

Talk with your doctor

Your doctor can’t guess that you’re depressed just by looking at you, so tell him or her how you’re feeling. Your doctor may ask you some questions about your symptoms and your family history of health problems. He or she may also give you a physical exam and do some tests.

The importance of early treatment

Left untreated, depression can last for weeks, months or even years. The biggest risk of not getting treatment is suicide. If you’ve thought about hurting yourself, tell your doctor, friends or family, or call your local suicide hot line (the number is in the phone book).

Starting, and staying with, treatment

Depression can be treated with medicines, or a special type of counseling called psychotherapy, or with both. Medicines called antidepressants work by correcting the chemical imbalance in the brain that causes depression.

If your doctor prescribes medicine, it’s important to continue taking it as directed. You may notice an improvement after only
1 week, but it’s possible that you won’t feel the full effects of the medicine for about 6 to 8 weeks. If you’re not feeling any better after several weeks, tell your doctor. You may need to switch to a different kind of antidepressant.

The side effects of antidepressants vary from person to person and from medicine to medicine. If you’re considering stopping treatment because of a side effect, talk with your doctor first. Since side effects are often worse in the beginning, simply waiting a month or 2 may be all that’s necessary. Or another antidepressant may be better for you.

Your Doctor Recommends

• Set a more relaxed schedule.
• Don’t believe negative thinking, such as blaming yourself or expecting to fail.
• Do activities that make you feel good about yourself.
• Avoid making big life decisions right now.
• Avoid drugs and alcohol. Both make depression worse and can cause dangerous side effects with antidepressants.
• Be active. Physical activity seems to cause a chemical reaction in the body that may improve your mood.
• Try not to get discouraged. Remember that treating depression takes time.

Signs of major depression

• No interest or pleasure in things you used to enjoy
• Feeling sad or empty
• Crying easily for “no reason”
• Feeling slowed down or feeling restless and unable to sit still
• Feeling worthless or guilty
• Weight gain or loss
• Thoughts about death or suicide
• Trouble thinking, recalling things or focusing
• Trouble making everyday decisions
• Problems sleeping, especially in the early morning, or wanting to sleep all the time
• Feeling tired all the time
• Feeling numb emotionally