What is Depression?
Although we will all experience sadness from time to time, depression differs from sadness in its intensity and duration. Typically, depression involves daily, significant sad moods or apathy, loss of energy, feelings of worthlessness and hopelessness, and a diminished ability to concentrate or make decisions. In some cases, depression is also accompanied by thoughts of suicide and disruptions in eating and sleep patterns. For most, depression makes even daily routines difficult to approach or complete, and goes far beyond feeling down or blue. If untreated, depressive episodes typically last between 4 and 9 months (but can also last a year or more), and are likely to recur. Approximately 85% of those who have one episode of depression will go on to experience further episodes, especially if left untreated.
How Common is Depression?
Depression is one of the most common psychological disorders and has become the leading cause of disability worldwide. Although estimates differ, it appears that approximately 7% of U.S. adults experience a depressive episode each year, and the number who have had a depressive episode at some point during their lifetime is higher. While rates are higher among younger adults, people of all ages are susceptible to major depressive disorder.
What are the Symptoms of Depression?
Listed below are common symptoms of depression. If you experience five or more of these symptoms in a two-week period and find that they interrupt normal life, it is recommended that you seek help.
- Lack of sleep or oversleeping
- Loss of interest in daily activities
- Feelings of guilt
- Lack of energy
- Inability to concentrate
- Changes in appetite
- Psychomotor retardation (slowed speech and impaired cognitive function)
- Thoughts of suicide
If you have been experiencing excessive anxiety, stress, sadness, or any other of the above signs/symptoms associated with depression, you may want to look into different screenings or tests for depression and/or anxiety. If your screening test(s) indicate that you might have depression and/or anxiety, you may wish to consult with your insurance provider to obtain a referral for counseling and medical treatment. The BYU Comprehensive Clinic is a non-insurance, low-cost option for counseling services for children, families, and couples. As a BYU employee, you also have access to free and anonymous initial counseling from licensed professionals through the DMBA's new partnership with Beacon Health Options, which provides an Employee Assistance Program.
Treatments for Depression
The good news is that there are effective treatment options for depression. Of the interventions have been adequately tested for their usefulness in alleviating depression, the three that have received the most empirical support are the following:
- cognitive-behavior therapy (often called CBT)
- exercise
- medication
Although there are many medications for depression, most of them seem to be relatively equal in their efficacy in reducing depression and differ mainly in their side effects. Medications appear to reduce depressive symptoms in approximately 50–60% of those who take them. Likewise, about 50–70% of persons who receive CBT experience significant reductions in depression. CBT also reduces the likelihood that a person will experience depression again. After treatment has ended, only 30% of those receiving CBT go on to develop another episode of depression, whereas 70–90% of those on medication relapse. Exercise has been shown to create a large reduction in symptoms of depression, and is inexpensive, has no side effects, and boasts a host of additional benefits. Despite the existence of effective treatments, only about 50% of depressed persons seek any treatment at all. The type of treatment is usually left to patient preference. Some things to consider when choosing a treatment for depression include: efficacy, time, cost, access to treatment, side effects, and drug interactions. Cognitive-behavioral treatments typically involve weekly therapy sessions for 12 to 20 weeks and help individuals understand and change depressive thinking and behavioral patterns. Many therapists are not adequately trained in CBT methods and thus access to CBT treatment can be limited. A listing of Board Certified CBT therapists can be found at www.academyofct.org. Medication is usually easily accessible through a primary care doctor or psychiatrist and requires minimal time commitment. However, medications often have problematic side effects and provide no lasting benefit once they are discontinued. Additionally, anti-depressant medications can interact with other medications and are often dangerous for those who are pregnant, wish to become pregnant, or are nursing.
Resource Contact Information
- National Alliance on Mental Illness: For help, contact www.nami.org
- Crisis Line of Utah County: (801) 226-4433
- Crisis Line at Wasatch Mental Health: (801) 373-7393
- Hope4utah.com
- Live Your Life Well: Mental Health America has information and resources for dealing with depression. Visit http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net/ten-tools. This site also promotes stress relief through ten tools for boosting a sense of well-being. There are several smaller goals within each tool that allow participants to tailor their goal-setting experience to their own unique situation.
- Ecclesiastical Leaders: Ecclesiastical leaders can provide valuable advice and resources for you. Arrange an appointment with your leader. If you do not have an ecclesiastical leader, you may refer to LDS Maps to find your local leader.
- Deseret Mutual Benefit Administrators (DMBA): If you have DMBA as your primary insurance provider, contact them online or by calling 1-800-777-3622 to find a Mental Health Provider to assist you in your circumstances.
- Family Services: This service provided by the Church offers a variety of counseling programs and resources to assist families and individuals going through hard times. You can contact Family Services online at http://www.providentliving.org/lds-family-services or the Provo agency by calling 801-422-7620.
- BYU Comprehensive Clinic: The BYU Comprehensive Clinic is a non-insurance, low-cost option for counseling services for children, families, and couples. You can contact the BYU Comprehensive Clinic online at cc.byu.edu or by calling 801-422-7759.
- WellTrack Boost: This app offers help for stress, anxiety, and depression. Accounts are now free for BYU employees who sign in with their Net ID email address.
- EAP: The DMBA is now providing an Employee Assistance Program which offers free and anonymous initial counseling sessions for you and your family. To access the EAP, go to https://myeaphelper.mybeaconwellbeing.com/ or call 844-280-9629.