March 2001
Depression: So much more than the Blues
Depression is an illness that can affect the whole body,
not just your moods and thoughts. It may change the way you eat and sleep, the
way you feel about yourself, and the way you think and interact with people and
situations. It is not a sign of personal weakness, nor is it a condition that
can be wished away. Depression is not the same as grief. It is not a passing
“blue” mood. And without treatment it can last for weeks, months, or
years.
About 18 million American adults have depression. Many
people who are HIV-positive also suffer from depression, myself included. Most
people with a depressive illness do not seek treatment, although the great
majority, even those with the most severe disorders, can be helped. Depression
left untreated can destroy your relationships and ultimately your life.
Depression comes in many different forms and degrees. I
would like to describe the three most prevalent types. Please keep in mind that
within each of these types is a number of variations in symptoms, severity, and
persistence.
Major depression is recognized by a combination of
symptoms that interfere with your ability to work, sleep, eat, and enjoy
pleasurable activities. Disabling episodes of depression can occur once, twice,
or several times in a lifetime.
Dysthymia (dis-thi-me-a) is a less severe type of
depression that involves long-term symptoms that do not totally disable you,
but do keep you from functioning at “full steam” or feeling good.
Sometimes people with dysthymia also experience major depression. It is also
the most commonly seen type of depression in people with chronic illnesses such
as HIV and AIDS.
Bipolar disorder (formerly known as manic-depressive
illness) is not nearly as prevalent as other forms of depression (seen in 5% or
less of the population). Bipolar disorder involves cycles of depression and
mania. Being manic (suffering mania) is to be in a frenzy or a state of
excessive excitement. Sometimes the person may be overly optimistic, overly
energetic, super spontaneous or it may appear as agitation, poor impulse
control, and flighty movements and ideas. Untreated bipolar disorder can be the
most devastating form of depression. It affects thinking, judgment, and social
behaviors and can cause serious problems and embarrassment.
Below is a list of symptoms of depression and mania. Not
everyone will experience every symptom and the severity may vary.
Life with HIV or AIDS is difficult at best. Please
don’t complicate it with untreated depression. Identify which of these
symptoms you may be having, and take the list with you the next time you visit
your doctor.
Depression |
Mania |
- Depression Persistent sad, anxious, or
“empty” mood
- Feelings of hopelessness, pessimism
- Feelings of guilt, worthlessness,
helplessness
- Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and
activities
- Insomnia, early awakening, or oversleeping
- Appetite and/or weight loss or overeating and
weight gain
- Decreased energy, fatigue, being “slowed
down”
- Thoughts of death or suicide; suicide attempts
- Restlessness, irritability· Difficulty
concentrating, remembering, making decisions
- Persistent physical symptoms that do not respond
to treatment, such as headaches, digestive disorders, and chronic pain
|
- Inappropriate elation
- Inappropriate irritability
- Severe insomnia
- Grandiose notions
- Increased talking Disconnected and racing
thoughts
- Markedly increased energy
- Poor judgment
- Inappropriate social behavior
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