The recent celebrity suicide deaths of Kate Spade and Anthony Bourdain have brought attention to the very important subject of depression. This psychological condition is very common, and according to the National Institute of Health it affected over sixteen million people in the United States in 2016. Symptoms may include feelings of sadness, loss of interest in pleasurable activities, hopelessness, thoughts of death, or a loss of energy. There also may be sleep and pain issues. These symptoms are usually ongoing for at least a period of two weeks if not more.

There are many risk factors that may trigger the onset of depression such as experiencing a major stressful event or a severe trauma. Other examples may include a tragic family death or the sudden loss of a job causing large financial losses. Relatives with a history of depression or alcoholism also increase the risk. Depression is found to be highest between the ages of 18 to 25 and tends to affect women at a higher rate than men. Certain medical conditions are also linked with an increased risk for depression. These include Parkinson’s, heart disease, diabetes and cancer. Finally, certain medications have side effects that may increase symptoms of depression. Some pain relievers, blood pressure and sleep medications are culprits. Hypothyroidism may even show false signs of depression but when the thyroid condition is treated, these symptoms tend to disappear. This is why checking your bloodwork for your thyroid level is part of the testing done when being evaluated for depression.

Depression is optimally treated with both medical therapy and psychotherapy. Other options are available if this approach fails. As with so many other medical and psychological issues, a healthy diet and exercise program does help. It is important to allow 8 hours in your sleep schedule. Consider putting off making any serious decisions until you are feeling better.

Sadly, as many as a third of people suffering from depression fail to seek any treatment at all. Please speak to your physician if you are suffering from any symptoms of depression or thoughts of death, and remember that it is so important to reach out to your family and friends for support. Most importantly, please know that you are never alone. Help is always a phone call away by simply calling the US National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-8255.