Introduction to Depression
Please watch this 4-minute video to learn about the signs and symptoms of depression, and the latest research.
Source: http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/depression/index.shtml
Source: http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/depression/index.shtml
Sadness vs. Depression
Our knowledge of the mental health needs of Asian Americans / Pacific Islanders (AA/PIs) is limited. National epidemiological studies have included few AA/PIs or people whose English is limited. The largest study to focus on AA/PIs (the CAPES study) examined the prevalence of mood disorders in a predominantly immigrant Chinese American sample. This study found lifetime and one-year prevalence rates for depression of about 7% and 3%, respectively. These rates are roughly equal to rates of depression found in the general population in the same urban area. While overall prevalence rates of diagnosable mental illnesses among AA/PIs appear similar to those of the white population, when symptom scales are used, AA/PIs show higher levels of depressive symptoms than do white Americans. Furthermore, Chinese Americans are more likely to exhibit somatic complaints (e.g., headache, stomachache) of depression than are African Americans or non-Hispanic Whites.
Depression is very common. It affects nearly one in 10 adults each year, generally twice as many women as men. Depression can strike at any age or time, but tends to first appear during the late teens to mid-20s. Depression is also common in older adults. (For more information about specific population groups, please visit the Teens and Young Adults and Our Grandparents and Elders sections of this web site.)
What is depression?
Depression is a serious medical illness that can negatively affect how you feel, the way you think, and how you act.
Symptoms of depression include:
Depression and Sadness are Different
It is normal to feel sad when dealing with difficult events such as the death of a loved one, the loss of a job, or the ending of a relationship. However, it is important to recognize that sadness and depression are not the same. While feelings of sadness and/or loss lessen with time, clinical depression can last for months, even years, and can have a significant disabling impact on the person's life.
How is depression treated?
Fortunately, depression is very treatable. For many people, depression can be alleviated by exercising, changing their diet, or taking a vacation. However, for others, sometimes a specific treatment is recommended and can consist of medications (antidepressants), psychotherapy, or a combination of the two treatments. Depression is one of the most treatable of mental disorders; the majority of people with depression eventually respond well to treatment and almost all patients gain some relief from their symptoms. If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms of depression, please see your primary care physician or psychiatrist (please visit the Find a Psychiatrist / Therapist section of this web site) for a thorough evaluation and for treatment recommendations.
For additional information about depression, please visit the following web site:
http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/depression/index.shtml http://www.healthyminds.org/Main-Topic/Depression.aspx
Depression is very common. It affects nearly one in 10 adults each year, generally twice as many women as men. Depression can strike at any age or time, but tends to first appear during the late teens to mid-20s. Depression is also common in older adults. (For more information about specific population groups, please visit the Teens and Young Adults and Our Grandparents and Elders sections of this web site.)
What is depression?
Depression is a serious medical illness that can negatively affect how you feel, the way you think, and how you act.
Symptoms of depression include:
- Deep feelings of sadness
- Marked loss of interest or pleasure in activities previously enjoyed (e.g., gardening, dancing, reading)
- Changes in appetite that result in weight loss or weight gain
- Difficulty sleeping or oversleeping
- Loss of energy, feeling very tired all the time
- Restlessness or irritability
- Difficulty thinking, concentrating, and/or making decisions
- Thoughts of death or suicide, or attempts at suicide
Depression and Sadness are Different
It is normal to feel sad when dealing with difficult events such as the death of a loved one, the loss of a job, or the ending of a relationship. However, it is important to recognize that sadness and depression are not the same. While feelings of sadness and/or loss lessen with time, clinical depression can last for months, even years, and can have a significant disabling impact on the person's life.
How is depression treated?
Fortunately, depression is very treatable. For many people, depression can be alleviated by exercising, changing their diet, or taking a vacation. However, for others, sometimes a specific treatment is recommended and can consist of medications (antidepressants), psychotherapy, or a combination of the two treatments. Depression is one of the most treatable of mental disorders; the majority of people with depression eventually respond well to treatment and almost all patients gain some relief from their symptoms. If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms of depression, please see your primary care physician or psychiatrist (please visit the Find a Psychiatrist / Therapist section of this web site) for a thorough evaluation and for treatment recommendations.
For additional information about depression, please visit the following web site:
http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/depression/index.shtml http://www.healthyminds.org/Main-Topic/Depression.aspx