Depression
Sadness is a normal part of our lives. Often, we feel sad because of stressful things that happen to us (the death of a loved one, the breakup of a relationship, serious illness, the loss of a job). Depression is sadness that is much more intense than, or lasts much longer than, the ordinary sadness we might expect to feel under the specific circumstances. Also, while we may feel depressed as a reaction to a specific, stressful event in our lives, we can also be depressed even though no "major" stressful event has happened.
One key difference between depression and ordinary sadness is that depression often impairs our ability to function. Depression results from chemical action in the brain, which is why anti-depressant medications can help treat it.
Someone who suffers from depression is said to be "clinically depressed," or to have a "unipolar disorder." Note that a depressed person may not be depressed all the time, but may simply be depressed at certain times. Some people even have depression that alternates with extreme "up" moods: they are said to have a "bipolar disorder," or be "manic-depressive." Even people with a bi-polar disorder may be depressed enough to be suicidal when they are having a depressive episode.
Depression may have a number of causes including:
Because of this, it is usually a good idea for someone who suffers from depression to see a doctor to make sure that the depression does not have a medical cause.
Important Things to Know about Depression
Anti-Depressant Medications
Anti-depressant medications are usually very effective in treating depression. You should know that:
A doctor may have a specific anti-depressant medication that he or she usually prescribes first. If this first medication doesn't help, the doctor should try other medications. If there is any question about anti-depressant medications, you should consult a psychiatrist or other doctor who is experienced with anti-depressant medications.
Because it may take some time for an anti-depressant medication to work, you should not be discouraged if you don't see dramatic results as soon as you try a medication.
Be especially careful after your anti-depressant medication starts to work. You may still feel suicidal, and if you do, don't hesitate to seek help: contact your doctor, or call 911 or your local police or ambulance service, or go to a hospital emergency room.
Your doctor should tell you what the side effects are for an anti-depressant medication that he or she prescribes. If you suffer from these side effects, or have any other health problems while taking anti-depressant medication, tell your doctor promptly.
Note: Depending on your situation, your doctor may give you other medications in addition to anti-depressants.
URGENT: IF YOU ARE THINKING OF SUICIDE, CLICK HERE
IF YOU NEED HELP FOR SOMEONE ELSE WHO MAY BE SUICIDAL, CLICK HERE
IMPORTANT NOTE: nothing on this web page or any other web page by the Police Suicide Prevention Association, or in any link or other web page linked to a Police Suicide prevention Association Web Page, constitutes medical, psychiatric, or psychological advice or treatment, or legal advice. Nothing in such web pages or links is intended to replace such advice or treatment. Links to, or references to, other organizations do not necessarily imply that the Police Suicide Prevention Center endorses those organizations, or that those organizations endorse the Police Suicide Prevention Center.
NIE 04/01/2001