Darker Days Bring Darker Moods: Understanding Depression Published Oct. 4, 2007 By Dr. Jack Smith Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Clinical and Program Policy and Acting Chief Medica FALLS CHURCH, Va. -- As the season changes and the days get shorter, some people develop symptoms of depression. Sadness and lack of energy and motivation are not a normal part of the transition to fall and winter; however, studies show an increase in these symptoms during darker months. This could be one of the reasons October is National Depression Education and Awareness Month. Days with less sunlight can lower brain serotonin levels affecting mood and behavior. Depression can come in different forms exhibiting many different symptoms. Major depressive disorder is the leading cause of disability in the United States for those ages 15-44 and affects approximately 14.8 million American adults, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. Yet major depression is a remarkably treatable disorder, and the great majority of people who receive treatment overcome the illness and return to normal lives. Depression is a recurring condition, so paying attention to its symptoms and seeking prompt medical care are a must. Dysthymia is sometimes referred to as low-grade or mild depression and can easily go unrecognized by the sufferer, family and friends for long periods of time. They can usually manage their lives and don't exhibit symptoms to the degree of people with major depression. Those with dysthymia complain of general lethargy and lack of energy. Their appetite may be abnormal; they either have little desire to eat, or they overeat. They may complain of feeling stressed. Symptoms Some symptoms of depression include: sadness; sleep disturbance; appetite change; lack of energy; loss of motivation; slowed pace; increased anxiety; poor concentration; loss of self confidence and thoughts of suicide. Getting Help Occasionally feeling depressed is normal. Everyone has days when they feel low, irritable or sad. These moods usually last a few days and disappear. When symptoms come more often, last longer and become harder to get rid of, sufferers should consider being screened for depression. The Department of Defense supports the Mental Health Self-Assessment Program, a confidential screening test located at https://www.militarymentalhealth.org. Non-active duty TRICARE beneficiaries may receive the first eight behavioral health care outpatient visits per fiscal year (Oct. 1- Sept. 30) from a TRICARE provider without a referral or authorization. For the TRICARE Behavioral Health Brochure log on to http://www.tricare.mil/tricaresmart/product.aspx?id=474&CID=84&RID=1. Depression is an illness with its own signs and symptoms. The good news is, depression is treatable and there are many effective methods of controlling it. Those suffering from depression can be optimistic about recovering and leading normal lives. Depression Statistics: - Depression contributes to 155 million lost working days per year. - Depression has more than doubled in the last 50 years. - Almost 20 million Americans suffer and twice that will suffer in their lifetime. - One in four women will suffer from depression in her lifetime. - By the year 2010, depression will be the second most common health problem in the U.S., behind heart disease. - Depression is one of the most treatable illnesses: 80-90 percent find relief. - Although depression can be successfully treated, the majority of sufferers do not seek help. - Fifteen percent of people with depressive disorders commit suicide.