Program & Services

Depression & Families : It's a Family Matter

What Is Depression?

It's normal to feel sad from time to time. But depression is more than feeling sad. It is a serious medical condition that can change your mood. It can change how you think. It can change how you feel about yourself, your family and friends. It can get in the way of your daily routine. For some people, depression can even lead to suicide.

Signs of Depression

Common signs of depression include:

• Always feeling sad or empty.
• Loss of interest in things you used to like to do.
• Weight gain or weight loss that is not on purpose.
• Slowed movement or feeling restless.
• Too much or not enough sleep.
• Loss of energy.
• Feeling worthless or guilty much of the time.
• Being unable to think, remember things or make decisions.
• Frequent thoughts of death or suicide.

Are the Signs of Depression Always the Same?

No. A depressed person may have some or all of the signs of depression. The signs also may be different in different age groups.

Children can show depression through:

• Poor school performance
• Withdrawal
• Constant bad temper
• A pattern of disruptive or destructive acts
• Aches or pains that do not have a medical cause
• Lack of self-confidence

Depressed adults usually complain of:

• Changes in mood or attitude
• Aches and pains
• May be confused and restless

Causes of Depression

Doctors do not know what causes depression. It is thought that it could run in families. Major losses or setbacks could make it worse.

Doctors know that depression is not a sign of weakness. People with depression can not just snap out of it. Depression is no one's fault.

Help Is Available

The most common treatments for depression are:

• Talk Therapy. This means talking with someone about what is going on in your life. Studies show that most people begin to feel better soon.
• Medicine. Medicine for depression is very helpful. Most people will start to feel better in a few weeks.

Recently, parents have noticed "black box" warnings on some medicines. They worry that these medicines might cause thoughts of suicide. The American Psychiatric Association and the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry want you to know that these medicines are important. They can help people with depression. They can also save lives. It's a good idea to know the side effects and warning signs for any medicine. And watch for warning signs when doses are changed. Talk about any worries with your provider.

• Or both. Talking and medicine can be better than either one by alone.

There are also other kinds of care. Ask your provider about them.

Does Depression Run In Families?

Studies show that depression can run in families. Children can become depressed if a parent is depressed. The risk is highest if the parent was depressed as a child. Or if he or she has been depressed more than once.

Misconception about depression is common. Depressed parents may think they are weak. Or, they think that the way they feel is their fault. Children may not know why a parent is depressed. They may think they did something wrong. This adds to the stress of dealing with this serious condition.

There is good news. Depression can be handled when families work together. Early screening is a good way to tell if someone is depressed. A good care plan can bring results in a few weeks. And good care is the key to stopping depression from coming back.

If a Family Member Is Depressed

Follow these steps:

1. Share your concern. Talk with your family member about any signs of depression. Offer to help get him or her to a provider. Remember that children may not be able to tell you how they feel.
2. Make a list. Write down your child's signs of depression. Be sure to include your questions about depression and treatment. An adult family member with signs of depression may want to do this on their own. Or, they might want your help.
3. Talk with your provider. Share the list you have written. Ask questions about depression. Talk about any medicines your family member is taking.
4. Choose the right care. Ask your provider to tell you about the risks and benefits of all types of care. Also ask about the type of care that is most likely to help your family member.
5. Learn more. Call your provider or local mental health group. They can also tell you about local support groups. You can also get information from the National Mental Health Association at 1-800-969-NMHA (6642) or www.nmha.org.

Get Help Right away If You are thinking of hurting yourself or others.