Whats The Difference Between Grief And Depression
Given that the primary symptom associated with depression is sadness, it can be easy to think of grief or bereavement as depression. But grief is a natural response to specific experiences, such as the end of a relationship or the death of a loved one. While you might feel regret or remorse, and you might withdraw from usual activities if you are experiencing grief, youre unlikely to feel the overwhelming sense of worthlessness, thoughts of self-harm or suicide, and other symptoms of depression. Another important difference is that in grief, painful feelings usually come in waves and are often mixed with positive memories.
In some cases, however, grief and depression do coexist, or grief can trigger depression, according to experts writing in the journal American Family Physician. Having a mental health professional help you distinguish between them can ensure you get the support you need.
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Who Can Prescribe Antidepressants
Millions of people experience depression and anxiety each year in the United States.
And the numbers are growing, especially for younger generations: Over 2.5 million youth have severe or major depression, but over 60% of them dont receive any kind of mental health treatment.
Additionally, more than half of American adults with a mental illness report an unmet need for treatment.
To help address the pervasiveness of mental health conditions, a diverse range of treatment options are available, including antidepressant medications.
Antidepressants help many people with depression and anxiety disorders.
In fact, these medications are so common that around 13 percent of American adults have taken them in a 30-day period between the years of 2015-2018.
If youre looking to learn more about whether or not antidepressants can help you, its important to understand who to speak to in order to obtain a prescription.
Why A Mental Health Professional Is Best
It’s very importantespecially if this is your first time seeking treatment for depressionthat you obtain a referral to a psychiatrist or other mental health professional if your general practitioner suspects depression.
Though your family doctor or general practitioner may offer to prescribe you an antidepressant, they are not always the best-qualified doctor to treat depression. They do not possess the training to offer you psychotherapy nor are they experienced in the nuances of prescribing psychotropic medications the way that a psychiatrist is.
Psychiatry is a blend of art and science. Treating depression is not quite as simple as giving someone a prescription for Zoloft or Prozac and sending them on their way. Some individuals will need several trials of different medications to find one that best relieves their symptoms with the least amount of side effects.
Some people will need more than one medication to counteract side effects or to boost positive effects. Most will likely benefit from adding psychotherapy to the mix. Discussing options with your psychiatrist will determine the best path.
Depression Discussion Guide
Besides the medication specifics, you may have a completely different mental health condition and not depression. Bipolar disorder is one such disorder that may be initially misdiagnosed as depression but requires a very different course of treatment.
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Cry For Help: New Moms And Depression
Dr. Weitzer urges patients to think holistically, encouraging them to stay connected to loved ones, throw themselves into a new hobby, and eat a healthy diet that is rich in fresh produce and low in sugar. She recommends maintaining an exercise routine and good sleep hygiene.
Dont be afraid to start the conversation with your primary care physician, says Dr. Weitzer. Depression is one of the most common mental health disorders, fortunately, there effective treatment strategies available. With a physicians guidance, a patient can find the right combination of lifestyle changes and medication for an improved quality of life.
What Are The Side Effects Of Antidepressants
Like all medications, antidepressants can have side effects. Over half of all people who take antidepressants have side effects. They usually occur during the first few weeks of treatment and are less common later on.
Some of these side effects are believed to be a direct consequence of the medications effect on the brain and are relatively similar among various drugs within the same group. Examples include a dry mouth, headaches, dizziness, restlessness and sexual problems. These kinds of problems are often perceived to be side effects of the medications. But some of them may be caused by the itself.
Whether or not someone has side effects, which side effects they have, and how frequent they are will depend on the drug, the dose used, and whether they have just started taking it or have been taking it for some time. And everyone reacts slightly differently to drugs too. The risk of side effects increases if you are also taking other medication. One of the drugs may make the side effects of the other worse. These kinds of drug interactions are common in older people and people with chronic illnesses who are taking several different kinds of medication.
For this reason, its important to thoroughly discuss the pros and cons of the various medications with your doctor.
Some side effects are more common with particular drugs:
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Depression And Gender: Is It Different In Men And Women
When it comes to depression, there is a distinct gender gap. Depression is nearly twice as common in women as in men, according to data from the National Center for Health Statistics. Hormonal and other biological factors play a role in this disparity. After all, only women can have premenstrual or postpartum depression. The same is true of antepartum depression which the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists estimates affects one in seven women.
But women also have higher rates of seasonal affective disorder, depressive symptoms in bipolar disorder, and persistent depressive disorder, note Harvard Health experts. The reasons for this are cause for speculation. Some researchers believe that environmental factors, such as the different and expectations that society places on women, are an important factor. Others theorize that men and women actually have depression at similar rates, but that women are more likely to talk about their feelings and seek help.
What Doctor Should You See For Depression
Medically reviewed by Katelyn Hagerty, FNP
So you think you have depression, and youve decided to seek help for it. Congratulations! Thats the hardest step.
Taking that step has probably led you to one of the most frequently asked questions about getting treated: where do you start? Whos the depression doctor you need?
There are a couple of common-sense answers the average person might assume are true.
You could start by seeking out a therapist or psychiatrist, or by speaking with your healthcare provider.
If you ask three different people, youre likely to get three different answers. And all of them might be correct.
The truth is, the answer is likely to be quite different for each person. Well get to the reasons why in a moment, but first, its helpful to understand some things about depression and severe depression and how theyre treated.
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How Doctor On Demand Can Help
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Our psychologists and psychiatrists have an average 15 years of experience. They are clinical experts in a variety of different specialties, such as depression.
We make it easy for you to browse and learn about our providers so you can find the perfect match. Each of our providers will work with you to set a plan and help you achieve the goals most important to you.
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Preparing For A Health Appointment
Talking to health professionals may be intimidating, but you and your health professional do need to work together. Remember, your doctor can’t provide the best information if they don’t know what the problem is, and they can’t offer the best-suited treatment options if they dont know your goals or concerns. Here is a checklist to help keep you on track during your appointments.
Before the appointment
PlanThink of what you want to tell your doctor or what you want to learn from your health professional at this appointment. Decide what is the most important to you. If you have particular questions, write them down. You can bring your list to the appointment. If you take any medication, including over-the-counter medication, plan to bring it with you.
During the appointment
ReportTell your doctor what you want to talk about during this appointment
Exchange informationMake sure you tell the doctor whats wrong. It may be helpful to bring in a self-test youve completed or a diary of symptoms. Remember to explain how your problem affects your day-to-day life. You can bring a loved one with you, and they can help describe changes theyve noticed.
ParticipateTalk with your doctor about the different ways to handle your health problem. Make sure you understand the positive and negative features of your choices. Ask as many questions as you need.
AgreeBe sure that you and your doctor agree on a treatment plan that you can live with.
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Do I Need A Psychiatrist Or Psychologist
The biggest distinction between the two groups of physicians depends on medication: it can be administered by a psychiatrist, while a psychologist can not. Psychiatrists will also perform talk therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, or other types of care in addition to providing treatment by medication.
Different Doctors Provide Different Treatments
Some psychiatrists only prescribe medication and do not take appointments for weekly psychotherapies or talk therapies. Therefore, if you have decided that only medications are not what you want, look for a mental health professional who does both. By doing this, you as the client will get what you want and will not be disappointed by the course of the treatment.
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You’re Eating More Than Usual
Depression leaves you withdrawn and checked out, which can manifest as a loss of appetite.
“If your brain is preoccupied with negative thoughts, you may forget to eat or lose interest in cooking or preparing meals,” said Yvonne Thomas, PhD, Los Angeles-based psychologist specializing in depression and self-esteem.
Sometimes depression has the opposite effect, driving you to overeat. “The mix of emotions that tend to accompany depressionsadness, pessimism about the future, and low self-esteemcan compel you to try to soothe your feelings with food binges,” said Thomas.
Why Is This Section About How To Get Signed Off Work With Anxiety Important
When thinking about how to get signed off work with anxiety we have to consider a few things before talking to your GP. First, anxiety is considered as a very disabling illness, even though it you may think it is not as valid as having diabetes or back pain.
Second, if you feel too overwhelmed with anxiety or symptoms have been getting worse, make sure to schedule an appointment to go to your GP so they can assess your current mental state and advise on the next steps. If they consider you need to get some time off work to get better and focus on your health then, they will issue a fit note. In addition, it is important you let your employer know whats going on, so they can make any necessary adjustments for your return.
In this section we will discuss how long can you be signed off work with anxiety?, mental health statistics about the UK, going back to work after being signed off, anxiety and the potential impact in your work and some additional considerations.
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Coping Support And Resources
In addition to your prescribed treatment, you may want to join a support group. It can be very helpful to talk with other people who are experiencing symptoms similar to yours. Its good to know that you are not alone. Someone else with similar symptoms can understand what youre going through and offer support and encouragement. Being part of a group can also help you develop new social skills.
Your community will likely have several support groups, either for your specific disorder or for anxiety in general. Check with your medical professionals to learn what resources are available in your area. You might ask your:
- mental health provider
- county mental health services agency
You can also participate in support groups online. This may be a good way to start if you have social anxiety disorder or feel uncomfortable in a face-to-face group setting.
Treatment of diagnosed anxiety is often multi-disciplinary. This means you may see one or all of the following medical practitioners:
- primary care physician
What Does The Doctor Look For To Make A Depression Diagnosis
A doctor can rule out other conditions that may cause depression with a physical examination, a personal interview, and lab tests. The doctor will also do a complete diagnostic evaluation, discussing any family history of depression or other mental illness.
Your doctor will evaluate your symptoms, including how long you’ve had them, when they started, and how they were treated. Theyâll ask about the way you feel, including whether you have any symptoms of depression such as:
- Sadness or depressed mood most of the day or almost every day
- Loss of enjoyment in things that were once pleasurable
- Major change in weight or appetite
- Insomnia or excessive sleep almost every day
- Physical restlessness or sense of being run-down that others can notice
- Fatigue or loss of energy almost every day
- Feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness or excessive guilt almost every day
- Problems with concentration or making decisions almost every day
- Recurring thoughts of death or suicide, suicide plan, or suicide attempt
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What Are The Major Types Of Depression
There are many types of depression caused by a variety of triggers, sometimes chemical and sometimes the result of traumatic life events.
These include:
Major depression: People with major depression have depressed moods most of the day for most days of the week.
Persistent Depressive Disorder: If a person has depression for 2 or more years, this is known as persistent depressive disorder. This type of depression has two subgroups called chronic major depression and dysthymia, or low-grade persistent depression.
Bipolar Disorder: Also known as manic depression, a person with bipolar disorder has extremes, ranging from states of low energy and/or mood to periods of high energy and/or mood. Also known as manic depression, bipolar disorder can be treated with mood stabilizer medication, such as Latuda, Seroquel, and Olanzapine-fluoxetine combo.
Seasonal Affective Disorder : A person who has seasonal affective disorder will often feel periods of major depression during winter. Because winter days are shorter than the rest of the year, a person receives less and less sunlight which can cause seasonal affective disorder. Antidepressants may be a great option for someone who has SAD.
Psychotic Depression: If a person has paranoia, hallucinations, and/or delusions during periods of major depression, they may be suffering from psychotic depression. This type of depression can be treated with antipsychotic drugs along with antidepressants.
What Will Happen If You Are Depressed
Depression is a serious mental condition that can have a significant impact on a persons life. It can lead to emotions of melancholy, hopelessness, and a loss of interest in activities that linger for a long time. It can also cause physical symptoms like as pain, a change in appetite, and sleep issues.
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What Is The Prevalent Rate Of Depression
Depression is a widespread ailment that affects 3.8 percent of the worlds population, with 5.0 percent of adults and 5.7 percent of persons over 60 years old suffering from depression Around 280 million people worldwide suffer from depression Depression can lead to suicide in the worst-case scenario. Every year, around 700,000 people die by suicide. Suicide is the fourth highest cause of death among those aged 15 to 29.
Depression Statistics: Disturbing Trends Helpful Treatment
Unfortunately, there are plenty of people who, like Kashuk, know exactly what it means to be depressed. An estimated 17.3 million, or 7 percent, of adults in the United States had at least one major depressive episode in the past year, according to the National Institute of Mental Health, making it one of the most common mental illnesses in the United States.
Whats more, a recent report from Mental Health America, a nonprofit founded in 1909, offers startling statistics pertaining to one of depressions most disturbing symptoms: thoughts of suicide.
According to its 2021 State of Mental Health in America report, suicidal ideation among adults increased by 0.15 percent between the 2016-2017 calendar year and the 2017-2018 calendar year, the most recent years for which statistics are available.
There is a bright side. Although there is no one-size-fits-all cure for depression, there are many effective treatment options, one of which is bound to help you heal if youre struggling with the illness. This cannot be emphasized enough, given that roughly two-thirds of people living with depression do not receive the care they need, according to a report in the journal Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment, published online February 22, 2019.
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What Is Samhsa’s National Helpline
SAMHSAs National Helpline, , or TTY: is a confidential, free, 24-hour-a-day, 365-day-a-year, information service, in English and Spanish, for individuals and family members facing mental and/or substance use disorders. This service provides referrals to local treatment facilities, support groups, and community-based organizations.
Also visit the online treatment locator, or send your zip code via text message: 435748 to find help near you. Read more about the HELP4U text messaging service.