Men also become depressed, often times in response to changes in their physical health as they age. Men also tend to seek treatment for depression far less than women do, leaving them to deal with their problems alone or with the help of their families. Due to the natural hormonal differences between men and women, the symptoms displayed are often more aggressive than emotional. While some men do experience emotional breakdowns, many instead are angry, irritable, aggressive, and distant. Both men and women sometimes cope with depression through distraction, either by working long hours, drinking, or using drugs.
There have been many more diagnosed cases of depression in children over the last two decades. Sometimes it may be difficult for parents to tell whether their child is depressed or going through a "phase," so it is important to keep close tabs on any symptoms that may indicate that there may be deeper psychological problems, seeking the aid of a psychologist, if necessary. Children also undergo hormonal changes as they develop; puberty can be a particularly trying time, both physiologically and socially, as they cope with the changes to their body and become sexually aware. It is also easy for some adults to forget the social stresses that children and teenagers face every day at school, as their schoolmates may not be sensitive or tactful about the changes they may be undergoing.
The elderly may also suffer from depression due to a variety of factors. Decline in health, loss of loved ones, and fears of the future can lead to feelings of loneliness, hopelessness, and sadness that are difficult to deal with. Suicide rates in men increase sharply after age 70 and peak at age 85. Family, friends, and caretakers should certainly not dismiss these feelings, as many people feel perfectly content in their advancing years, as they look back on the successes in their lives.
Conventional Treatment of Depression
Depression disorders have complicated roots, tangled in layers of physical, mental, and emotional problems. Because of this, diagnosis and treatment of depression usually involves the coordination of several different doctors, different therapies, and recommendations that will help a person address all of the factors contributing to their depression. Initially, a physical evaluation is performed to look for any medical conditions that could induce depression, such as viral infections or hormonal imbalances. Sometimes when people become depressed, they let their health decline, as well, so the physicians may also make recommendations to help them begin the physical healing process in conjunction with the mental healing they will take with their therapists.
There are numerous antidepressants that can be prescribed by a psychiatrist, following evaluation and diagnosis of depression. There are no magic pills, however. Counseling is a critical part of depression recovery and is always recommended even if antidepressants are prescribed. Antidepressants may be vital for stabilizing a person's mood well enough that they can begin to address the sources of their depression and begin to gain confidence in their lives, once again. Because antidepressants alter brain chemistry, it is important for their psychiatrists to monitor their dosage and their progress. Some with severe depression remain on antidepressants for many years, which can also cause them to build up resistances to them, causing the drugs to lose their effect, so new drugs must be prescribed. Some psychiatrists also recommend electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) for those that have stopped responding well to antidepressants. During these treatments, pulses of electricity are sent through the patient's brain (while under anesthesia), to induce a seizure. Although these treatments do not have long term protective effects against severe depression and suicidal thoughts, they may be helpful in getting a patient safely through a depressive episode.
Patients Medical's Treatment of Depression
At Patients Medical, we can provide additional support for your depression recovery program through natural treatments and supplements that may complement any conventional approaches that you are taking. It is important to communicate with all of your doctors about all of the pharmaceutical and natural medicines that you may be taking along the way to ensure that there are no interactions or side effects that might be detrimental to your progress. If you notice any abrupt changes in the way that you feel, please communicate these as well. Your health and well-being are our number one priority as we help steer you on this journey.
Clinical studies have shown that St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum), a bushy, flowering plant, may benefit people with mild to moderate depression. It is unclear how, but it is believed that components of this herb may affect serotonin signaling much the same way that conventional antidepressants do. Extracts are available in tablets, capsules, or teabags.
For those displaying the classic symptoms of stress and depression (without mania or bipolar tendencies), we can also recommend Symphora®, a vitamin supplement that helps modulate cortisol. Cenitol® is also an excellent vitamin supplement for supporting healthy nervous system function and stabilizing mood.
We may also recommend massage, acupuncture (or acupressure), yoga, tai chi, and other therapies to complement your depression treatment by improving your energy levels and relieving any muscle tensions or physical pains you may be experiencing.
Next Steps:
Poor health can significantly affect your life. Improve your life by changing to good health. Call our patient coordinator at 1-212-679-9667 or click on Request an Appointment to schedule an appointment with one of our doctors for evaluation and testing.
We are located at: Patients Medical PC, 800 Second Avenue, Suite 900 (Between 42nd & 43rd Street), Manhattan, NYC, New York, NY 10017.
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Article Last Updated: 06/26/2009