HEALTHWATCH

Women's Health

Millions Allow Depression to go Untreated
By Jaclyn Cunanan

The National Institute of Mental Health estimates 19 million American adults are clinically diagnosed with depression. Of these, approximately two-thirds are women. In fact, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services National Mental Health Information Center estimates that one in four women will suffer from a major depressive episode at some point in her life. Yet, they also state that only one in five of these women will ever seek treatment for her disorder.

Depression is not simply feeling sad. Depression occurs when feelings of sadness interfere with your ability to function normally and live your life in a valued way. Some may describe their experience as being “in a funk”, “feeling blue”, and as having lost interest in the things that once gave them pleasure. Others may complain of being tired or fatigued all the time while simultaneously being unable to sleep. While some people gain weight during a depressive episode, others may lose weight. The manifestation of each person's depression is as unique as they are. The Harvard Mental Health Letter (December 1997) states that "untreated, the average episode of depression lasts six months. In most cases the symptoms return periodically, for an average of five to seven episodes in a lifetime." Mental health care professionals report seeing instances of depression, also known as depressive illness, more often than any other mental health disorder.

The Gay and Lesbian Medical Association (GLMA) says that gay and lesbian individuals suffer from depression at a greater rate than the population as a whole. One possible explanation is that the routine discrimination faced by some as a direct reaction to their sexual orientation leads to these higher rates. They also report evidence that suggests depression may be significantly underreported as well. There may be many reasons why depression is underreported. Women may worry about being seen as weak, overly emotional, or hypochondriac. Gays and lesbians may be seeking to avoid real or perceived discrimination in the mental health care profession. For others, the feelings of hopelessness caused by the disorder itself may lead to thoughts that there is nothing a doctor could do to help. Nothing could be further from the truth. Research shows that medication can help shorten the severity and duration of depressive episodes while visitations with a trained psychotherapist can assist in rooting out the cause and better coping with the illness. Untreated, depression is strongly linked to eating disorders and is the single most common cause of suicide. Consequently, it is important to seek medical attention if you or a loved one is suffering from symptoms of depression. Depression isn't a weakness; it's a disease. Just as someone with a severe fever or a sudden pain in their chest would seek medical attention, so should a person suffering from symptoms of depression. There is no reason to be ashamed of seeking treatment.

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