An estimated 21 million Americans suffer from clinical depression. National Institute of Mental Health. Just recently, Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo said she was admitted to an inpatient facility being treated for a mental disorder.
Hidalgo said she had been formally diagnosed last month and had been dealing with the challenges of depression “for a while”. She checked into an out-of-state facility in late July and was due to return to her job in early September. In the meantime, her staff will continue to communicate with her.
“Depression is not a personal weakness,” said 1st Precinct Superintendent Rodney Ellis. “This is a medical diagnosis and needs treatment just as stroke, cancer and heart disease need treatment.”
Here’s what you need to know about clinical depression.
What is clinical depression?
Clinical depression is also known as major depressive disorder, MDD. The disorder is diagnosed when someone experiences persistent symptoms of depressed mood and loss of interest in activities that used to bring them joy.
This is a more severe form of depression than temporary depression caused by someone’s death or another medical condition that causes symptoms of depression. Symptoms are often severe enough to affect relationships and daily life. mayo clinic.
full statement: Read Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo’s full vacation letter to residents
What are the signs of depression?
Physicians diagnose major depressive disorder using the symptom criteria in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders published by the American Psychiatric Association.
It is important to understand that not everyone who suffers from depression will experience all or most of these symptoms and some may experience symptoms not included in this list. It is important. However, common signs and symptoms include:
- sadness, tearfulness, emptiness, or hopelessness
- Explosions of anger, irritability, and irritability over trivial matters
- Loss of interest or pleasure in most or all usual activities such as sex, hobbies, sports
- Sleep disorders such as insomnia or oversleeping
- Tired and lethargic, even small tasks require extra effort
- Decreased appetite and weight loss, or increased food cravings and weight gain
- Anxiety, agitation, or restlessness
- Thinking, speaking, and body movements slow down
- Feelings of worthlessness, guilt, and attachment to past failures and self-blame
- Trouble thinking, concentrating, making decisions, or remembering things
- Frequent or recurring thoughts of death, suicidal ideation, suicide attempts, or suicide
- Unexplained physical problems such as back pain or headaches
Who Gets Clinical Depression?
Clinical depression is one of the most common mental disorders in the United States and can affect anyone, including children.
However, the average age of people who experience major depression is in their mid-twenties.Women are almost twice as likely to suffer from major depression than men, according to john hopkins medicine.
How is depression treated?
There are different approaches to the care of clinical depression. The Mayo Clinic points to psychological counseling, antidepressants, or a combination of the two. Treatment should reduce stress levels and improve lifestyle patterns.
We also provide outpatient and inpatient depression treatment. The former is when patients are provided with therapeutic resources and services but do not stay overnight and practice what they have learned in their daily lives. Inpatient treatment for depression, like the one Hidalgo chose, means an overnight stay with full-time care.
Not everyone diagnosed needs treatment in an inpatient center.of Emotional Care and Healing Center states on its website that inpatient treatment should be considered if the patient’s diagnosis is life-threatening. Red flags leading to institutionalization are self-harm or suicidal thoughts, but this is not always the case, and there are myriad reasons why people seek inpatient care.
