Major Depression

What is major depression?
Major Depression is a serious medical illness affecting millions of people. Unlike normal emotional experiences of sadness, loss, or passing mood states, major depression is persistent and can significantly interfere with an individual’s thoughts, behavior, mood, activity and physical health. More than half of people who experience a single episode of depression will continue to have episodes that occur as frequently as once or even twice a year. Without treatment, the frequency of depression as well as the severity of symptoms tends to increase over time. Left untreated, depression can lead to suicide. Fortunately, with early detection, diagnosis and treatment, symptoms can improve.

What are the symptoms of major depression?

• Persistently sad or irritable mood
• Pronounced changes in sleep, appetite and energy
• Difficulty thinking, concentrating and remembering
• Physical slowing or agitation
• Lack of interest in or pleasure from activities that were once enjoyed
• Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, hopelessness and emptiness
• Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide
• Persistent physical symptoms which do not respond to treatment, such as headaches, digestive disorders and chronic pain.

What are the causes of major depression?
There is no single cause of major depression. Genetics, trauma, changes in the brain, medical illnesses and substance/alcohol misuse may contribute. There is an increased risk of developing depression when there is a family history of the illness. Not everyone with a genetic predisposition develops depression. When people experience trauma at an early age, it can cause long-term changes in how their brains respond to fear and stress. These changes may lead to depression. Relationship changes, financial stress and other life events such as the death of a loved one may trigger episodes of depression. Illness such as heart disease and cancer and some medications may also trigger depressive episodes. People who abuse alcohol and other substances are at a significantly higher risk for depression. Coordinated treatment for both conditions is needed as the use of alcohol and other substances can worsen depressive symptoms. Many depressive episodes occur spontaneously and are not triggered by a life crisis, physical illness or other risks.

How is major depression treated?
Although major depression can be a devastating illness, it often responds to treatment. Combining psychotherapy, medications, and self-care such as recognizing symptoms, exercise, meditation, and a healthy diet can be effective. Safety planning is critically important for individuals who experience suicidal thoughts.

Emergency Help

• The Bryan Medical Center Mental Health Emergency Department provides emergency mental health care/crisis assessments to determine if hospitalization is needed. This service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Located at 2300 S. 16th Street, Lincoln NE. Telephone: 402-481-5151.
• CenterPointe Helpline: 402-475-6695
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988

Non-Emergency Help

• Contact the Bryan Counseling Center - Located at 2300 S. 16th Street, Lincoln NE Telephone: 402-481-5991
• National Alliance on Mental Illness. Telephone 800-950-NAMI. Text: 62640

Condensed from National Alliance on Mental Illness, Major Depression, https://www.nami.org/about-mental-illness/mental-health-conditions/depression.