Nearly everybody feels sad once in a while, maybe even depressed. But there is a difference between sadness, being depressed and depression.
Chances are, you have felt depressed from time to time - but imagine suffering from depression all the time.
"There's biological reasons why a person could be depressed. There are people who have actual predispositions genetically to being depressed. A person can be depressed because of the loss of a family member, job or significant element of their life,” said Castle psychiatrist, Dr. Joseph Giannasio.
The first inclination of family members is to try to coax that person out of their depression.
"It's very difficult for family members and friends to really engage people who are depressed and this is one of the difficulties for the person who is depressed. It's difficult for them to get the support and help they need when they're just around family members, because it's so difficult to engage with the person,” said Dr. Giannasio.
There are signs to look for if you believe a friend or family member may be clinically depressed. They may suffer from insomnia, have a loss of appetite and according to Dr. Giannasio, "inability to find pleasure or joy in normal daily activities. So when these types of symptoms occur and they last for a number of weeks, then medication usually is indicated."
Depression can happen at any age, for a variety of reasons.
Almost daily, we see commercials on television for products that can help ease the pain of depression.
For the clinically depressed, trying to work their way back, these medications might be the answer.
"And the medications can be quite helpful in treating the depression. At the same time, there are certain types of therapy - for example cognitive behavioral therapy that can also be very helpful in bringing the person through their depression,” said Dr. Giannasio.
He cautions that families concerned about someone suffering from depression should seek the help of those who specialize in treatment.
