Depresión

All people feel sadness or grief sometimes. These feelings are normal. Sad feelings fade with time. But, depression can cause the same feelings for months or years. It is the leading disability in the U.S. for people 15 to 44 years old. It affects nearly 15 million Americans*.

Depression is a serious health issue that can happen to anyone. This includes men, women, teens, older adults. But, it affects twice as many women as men.

There are many signs of depression. Most often, people who are affected feel very sad. They also no longer care about the hobbies they used to enjoy.

Other signs may be:

• Changes in eating patterns or weight without a change in diet
• Sueño más o menos prolongado de lo habitual
• Cansancio y niveles bajos de energía
• Feeling restless or easily bothered
• Sensación de inutilidad o culpa
• Problemas para concentrarse o tomar decisiones
• El hecho de pensar demasiado en algo o el intento de quitarse la vida
• Sensación de desesperanza
• Worrying

Existen diferentes tipos de depresión. These may be:

• Postpartum: Many new mothers may get the "baby blues. But, some will get postpartum depression. This is a much more serious illness. They have many hormonal and physical changes after birth. Y también tienen muchas más cosas que hacer relacionadas con el cuidado del bebé. Es posible que les resulte difícil acostumbrarse a estos cambios. Women who have these feelings need care and support.
• Premenstrual dysphoric disorder: Some women may have a severe form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). This is called premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). PMDD is caused by hormonal changes. These changes may occur when a woman ovulates and before her period starts.
• Some women are more likely to be depressed due to hormonal changes later in life.
• Seasonal: Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) happens during the winter, when there is less sunlight. The illness most often lifts during the spring and summer.
• Teenage: Depression in the teen years comes at a time of great change. Boys and girls are forming their own identities. They are also dealing with sex issues and making choices on their own. It often happens with other disorders. These include anxiety, eating disorders or drug or alcohol abuse. También puede conducir a una mayor posibilidad de suicido.

La depresión no tiene una única causa conocida. Several causes may be:

• Química cerebral: Las personas con depresión, por lo general, tienen diferentes niveles químicos en sus cerebros que las personas que no sufren la enfermedad.
• Historia familiar: Some types of depression run in families. But, people can have it without a family history.
• Health causes or brain injury: Certain health problems, such as a brain tumor or a brain injury, can cause depression.
• Biological clock: Less sunlight in the fall and winter may upset your body's inner clock. Esto puede despertar sentimientos de depresión.
• Melatonin levels: Season changes can upset the balance of the natural hormone melatonin. This hormone affects mood and sleep patterns. 

La depresión se puede tratar mejor si se detecta en una etapa temprana. It can be treated with antidepressants and psychotherapy ("talk therapy"). SAD may be treated with light therapy to help lessen symptoms. Su médico también puede sugerirle que haga cambios en su dieta, acondicionamiento físico y formas para aliviar el estrés. It may take time to find the right drugs and therapy to see results. Asegúrese de decirle a su médico cómo se siente y esté abierto a otros tipos de tratamientos para encontrar el que mejor funcione para usted.

If you're worried about feeling sad, talk to your doctor. They will do an exam and may prescribe medicine or other treatments.