Issue link: http://www.epageflip.net/i/829941
YOU AT YOUR BEST | NWADG.COM/YOUATYOURBEST JUNE - MENTAL HEALTH | SATURDAY, MAY 27, 2017 | 7 Can't Get Pregnant? We'll get to the bottom of it. Hope Starts Here Giving You Power to Overcome: IVF, IUI, Fertility Surgery and Advanced Reproductive Technology Call for an appointment today 918.359.2229 (BABY) www.TulsaFertilityCenter.com 115 E. 15th St. Tulsa, OK Depression is Common but Treatable It's normal to experience feelings of sadness and grief from time to time. But when these feelings are prolonged or inter- fere with daily life, they may be symptom- atic of depression. Depression can affect anyone re- gardless of age, gender or economic status. The National Institute of Mental Health says around 350 million people worldwide suffer from depression. Understanding de- pression can help those dealing with the disorder. What is depression? Depression is a mood disorder that causes persistent feelings of sadness and loss of interest. The Mayo Clinic says de- pression can produce a variety of symptoms and affect the way a person thinks, acts and feels. Symptoms may include changes in sleeping patterns, anxiety, fatigue, weight gain or weight loss, unexplained aches and pains, and diffi culty concentrating. What causes depression? Although the cause of depression remains a mystery, certain distinguishing factors are common among those who have the condition. People with clinical depres- sion appear to have physical changes in their brains. In addition, naturally occur- ring brain chemicals known as neurotrans- mitters likely play a role in depression. The Mayo Clinic states changes in the function and effect of these neurotransmitters and how they interact with neurocircuits in- volved in maintaining mood stability may play a signifi cant role in depression and its treatment. In addition to biological factors in the brain, hormones can impact rates of de- pression or even trigger it. These hormone shifts may be a leading reason why women have higher incidence rates of depression than men. Depression is more common in people whose blood relatives also have the condition. Therefore, those with a family history of depression may be more likely to get it than those without such a connection. Different types of depression There are different types of depres- sion. A person may have a single bout of major depression or recurring episodes. Depression that lasts two or more years is called persistent depressive disorder. A less common type of depression is called man- ic-depressive illness. This involves cycles of depression that alternate with extreme highs, or manias. Treating depression Depression is a very treatable con- dition. Psychotherapy (talk therapy), med- ications or a combination thereof can be very effective in managing symptoms. Mental health professionals can work with individuals to fi nd the right therapy based on symptoms and severity of the depres- sion. Also, it may take some time to fi nd the right medication or treatment; there- fore, people are urged to remain patient and hopeful. The National Institute of Mental Health says people who suspect they may be suffering from depression should make an appointment to see a doctor or health care provider. The sooner action is taken, the more quickly the condition can be ad- dressed.