v Depression Is A Serious Condition For Millions Of American (NAPS)—Many people feel “down in the dumps” from time to zy = time. In most cases, usually it goes away. However, if the feeling persists, it may be a sign of clini- cal depression. Approximately 30 million Americans deal with depression at some point in their lives. Once considered a condition associated with the elderly, depression among youth—especially young women—isontherise. More than 11 million American women suffer from clinical depres- sion each year and may not know it. Therefore, it’s best to know the symptoms. According to Robert Coleman, D.O., an osteopathic physician in Alabama, you mayhaveclinical depression if you experience five or more of the following symptoms There are waysto differentiate between “the blues” and more seriousclinical depression. sexual identity and suffering from rapeor incest. The need to get help is crucial. Severe depression can start with relatively mild problems (includ- ing headaches, stomach pain or nausea), but it can also lead to much more serious difficulties Sleeping too little or too (such as breathing problems, chronic neck and back pain), and for some, suicide. For some people, overcoming depression may simply require a Loss of pleasure or interest include transferring to a new col- for more than two weeksstraight: Persistent sad, anxious or “empty” mood; much; in activities; Feeling restless or irritable; e Persistent physical symptoms of illnesses that don’t respondto treatment; Difficulty concentrating, remembering or making decisions; e Fatigue or loss of energy; Feeling guilty, hopeless or worthless; e “Accidental” drug overdose; Giving away cherished items; Persistent thoughts of suicide or death. If you are experiencing these symptoms, the next step is getting to the root of your problem. Events that can bring on depression include: the death of a close family member, divorce or rela- tionship breakup, issues such as worrying about grades, worrying about parents and peer accep- tance, experiencing confusion over significant change. This could lege or job, exercising and eating right, or finding positive activities that help fill up time and that offer chances to meet new people. For others, however, battling depression may require intensive counseling, psychotherapy or med- ications which are very common today. Various studies indicate that anti-depressant medications suc- cessfully treat depression in as manyas 80 percent of the individuals whotake them. D.O.s are fully licensed physicians able to prescribe medication and perform surgery. They treat people, not just symptoms. To learn more about D.O.s and osteopathic medicine, visit the American Osteopathic Associa- tion’s Web site at www.aoa-net.org or call toll free 1-800-621-1773.
