Cross Creek Hospital helps children, adolescents, and adults who are struggling with depression through an unmatched quality of care and support. Located in Austin, TX, Cross Creek is the leading provider of depression treatment.

Understanding Depression

Learn about depression

When an individual experiences ongoing feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or helplessness to the degree that these feelings prevent a person from functioning in a healthy manner in several settings, it is likely that that individual is battling depression. A mental illness that has the capability of causing a great deal of destruction in a person’s life, depression often requires therapeutic intervention in order to alleviate symptoms. Substance abuse, social isolation, numerous health risks, and an increased likelihood for declining mental health are all possibilities when an individual does not receive appropriate and effective care.

Fortunately, there are several treatment options available that can improve the lives of those who suffer from depression. The implementation of healthy coping skills and tools for managing symptoms can help depression sufferers learn how to live a life free from the obstacles caused by a depressive disorder.

Statistics

Depression statistics

A commonly diagnosed mental health condition, depression is an illness that affects people of all ages. While it is more common among females, depression is believed to affect one in eight adolescents, one in seven adults, and one in fifteen senior adults over the age of sixty-five. Furthermore, research estimates that the average age of onset is 32, however, people both younger and older are known to display symptoms of this mental illness at varying levels of severity.

Causes and Risk Factors

Causes and risk factors for depression

Experts in the field of mental health believe depression symptoms develop because certain genetic, physical, and environmental influences are at work. In addition to other risk factors that can make an individual more susceptible to experiencing symptoms of depression, the following explanations elaborate on why and how a person develops a depressive disorder:

Genetic: Forty percent of those who meet diagnostic criteria for depression have a family history of this illness. This estimate was realized through extensive research that examined the heritability of depression and elicits the conclusion that the development of depressive disorders do, in fact, have a genetic influence.

Environmental: There are a number of environmental influences that can cause the onset of or exacerbate symptoms of depression. Experiencing adverse life experiences, such as the death of a loved one, academic failure, or losing one’s job, can cause depression symptoms to occur. Additionally, those who have a history of enduring abuse or those who have survived trauma are also likely to experience symptoms associated with a depressive disorder.

Risk Factors:

Being female
Family history of depression or other mental health condition
Family or personal history of substance use and/or abuse
Exposure to abuse, trauma, or chronic stress
Experiencing unfavorable life events
Low socioeconomic status
Experiencing an abrupt and unexpected change in life

Signs and Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of depression

The telltale signs that a person is suffering from depression can vary. Depending on the individual’s age, the length of time depression symptoms have been present, and the causes for depression can potentially minimize or exacerbate symptoms of this mental illness. If you notice that you or a loved one is displaying the following behavioral, physical, cognitive, or psychosocial symptoms, it is imperative that mental health treatment be sought so that depression symptoms can be managed in a healthy manner:

Behavioral symptoms:

Declined participation in activities that were once enjoyed
Self-harming behaviors
Inability to manage responsibilities
Unwarranted outbursts
Truancy from school
Missing work

Physical symptoms:

Lethargy
Change in sleep patterns (e.g. insomnia or hypersomnia)
Headaches or migraines
Changes in appetite
Weight gain or loss
Muscle or joint pain

Cognitive symptoms:

Difficulty forming and storing memories
Hindered ability to think clearly
Poor concentration
Impaired decision-making abilities
Temperament changes

Psychosocial symptoms:

Overly critical of oneself and one’s abilities
Guilty feelings
Feeling helpless
Increased irritability
Feelings of hopelessness
Intense sadness

Effects

Effects of depression

The symptoms of depression can be successfully managed when therapeutic interventions, such as psychotherapy and psychotropic medication(s), are implemented to alleviate symptoms. When treatment is not received for depression, it is likely that the sufferer will experience a number of effects and consequences as a result. The following effects are those that can be avoided if a person seeks and receives care for an existing depressive disorder:

Increased conflict within interpersonal relationships
Development of another mental health condition
Development of a substance use disorder
Compromised immune system
Decline in academic performance
Decreased occupational functioning
Obesity
Development of physical health concerns
Poor impulse control
Social withdrawal or isolation
Self-harming behaviors
Suicidal ideations
Suicide attempts

Co-Occurring Disorders

Depression and co-occurring disorders

Individuals who struggle with depression are often battling symptoms synonymous with another mental illness. When this is the case, treatment is often required to address the distress caused by any co-occurring disorders that could be present at the same time as a depressive disorder. The listed disorders are those that can be diagnosed alongside depression: