What is Depression? | MetroPlus

Will it come back?Some people are more at risk for depression to return.

Depression is more likely to return if:

•You’ve had periods of depression in the past (your risk is higher if you have had depression several times)

•Your depression has gone untreated for a long time

•You still have symptoms, even after treatment

•You’ve had severe depression with suicidal thoughts or very poor functioning in the past

•Other family members have depression

•You abuse alcohol or drugs

•You are under a lot of stress

•You have other mental problems or serious physical health problems

If any of these apply to you, tell your therapist. Knowing this can help him or her decide on the best way to help you.

Who has depression?Depression can happen to anyone. People with depression can be rich or poor, young or old.

It’s most likely to begin between ages 25 and 44. Women are twice as likely as men to have major depression. Women who have just given birth are at extra risk for depression. This is called postpartum depression. It’s much worse than feeling down for a short time after a baby is born.

Millions of people in the U.S. have depression. Many of them delay treatment. This can allow their depression to get worse. Getting treated quickly is best.

MKT 13.47

What is depression?

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The information contained in this publication should not be used as a substitute for the medical

care and advice of your doctor. There may be variations in treatment that your doctor may

recommend based on individual facts about you.

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Am I depressed?Most people have days when they feel down. People facing a major loss, for instance, are likely to feel very sad.

But when the sadness doesn’t go away, you may have a problem. You could have depression. Depression is an illness. It affects your mood, mind, and body.

It affects how you eat and sleep. It also plays a role in how you feel about yourself and how you relate to other people. Symptoms can last for weeks, months, or years if they aren’t treated.

How do you know if you are depressed? Check these symptoms:

•Often feeling sad, worthless, or guilty

•Less interest or fun in favorite activities

•Big changes in sleep, appetite, or energy

•Feeling angry or restless

•Having trouble focusing or deciding things

•Often having thoughts of suicide or death

Have you had many of the symptoms above for 2 weeks or more? Are they causing problems in your daily life? If so, you may be depressed.

Call 1.800.303.9626 to make an appointment or discuss with a MetroPlus case manager what's best for you.

How it affects youThere are many types of depression. Your doctor might talk with you about which kind you have. These are the most common:

Major depressionThese are periods when your symptoms keep you from having a normal life. Work, eating, and sleeping might be altered. These periods may last 6 months to a year. You can be treated for these symptoms. But the symptoms are likely to come back sometime.

DysthymiaThis is milder than major depression. But it lasts longer. Also, the symptoms are milder. You are likely to feel bad a lot, but you can usually do routine tasks.

Bipolar disorderThis causes extreme swings in mood, energy level, and behavior. It can last briefly or for months.

Depression and suicideGetting treatment for depression could save your life. Depression is the number 1 reason that people kill themselves.

Many people who are thinking about suicide don’t know they may be depressed.

Family members need to closely watch people starting to use antidepressants. They also need to be on the lookout when doses are changed. These changes sometimes worsen depression and thoughts of suicide for a while.

Call your doctor or 911 if you are thinking about hurting yourself in any way. The National Suicide Hotline can also help. Call 1.800.784.2433.

How treatment helpsThere is more than 1 way to treat depression. You can take medication to make yourself feel better. You may also visit a doctor to talk through your problems. Some people do best if they do both.

How medicine helpsMedicine is used to fix a chemical imbalance in your brain. This helps ease your symptoms. These medicines are called antidepressants. They are not habit-forming. This kind of medicine may not help you feel better right away. But don’t give up! You should start feeling better in about 6 weeks.

It is important to take your medicine exactly as prescribed. And remember to get a refill when you are out of medicine.

How therapy worksThis is sometimes called “talk therapy.” You meet with a specialist to talk about your problems and what you can do. One kind of therapy focuses on changing negative behavior. Another kind targets negative thinking. A third kind looks at better ways to deal with other people. It will probably take 8 to 10 weeks to help you feel better.