Depression

Many studies over the years have found that there is a significant risk of mental illness to adult victims of Childhood Sexual Abuse. Studies have shown that the early stressors of chidhood sexual abuse especially predisposes individuals to depression and substance abuse as adults.

There is still much we are learning about the brain and how it functions, but scientists have found that traumatic experiences such as child abuse actually changes the chemistry and structure of the brain. It sensitizes the stress response system so that those abused become overly responsive to their environment and stressors. With exposure to trauma, individuals may find that even a small degree of stress results in excessive stress hormones. These stress hormones effect the structure of the brain and can produce the symptoms we know as depression. (Ten Year Research Update Review, Frank Putnam, Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry

Vol 42, Issue 3, March 2003, Pages 269–278)

Because of this I wanted to take a moment to focus on depression.

Most people have felt sad- but depression is an illness that affects daily functioning or lasts longer then a few weeks.

Symptoms of Depression:  A range of symptoms that may be felt

• Inability to find pleasure in things you once enjoyed.
• Feelings of hopelessness and/or worthlessness.
• Exaggerated sense of guilt or self-blame.
• Loss of sexual desire.
• Dissatisfaction with life in general
• Withdrawal from others or activities.
• Neglect of responsibilities and appearance.
• Irritability
• Impaired memory, inability to concentrate, indecisiveness, and confusion.
• Reduced ability to cope with stressors
• Chronic fatigue and lack of energy.
• Loss of appetite or compulsive eating.
• Insomnia, early morning wakefulness, or excessive sleeping.
• Unexplained headaches, backaches, stomach aches, or nausea.

When is professional help needed?

• Your emotional pain or problems outweigh pleasures much of the time.
• Symptoms are affecting day to day functioning (your job, your social life, family relationships, or school). 
• When symptoms persists for more then a few weeks.
• When stress is so bad that suicide feels like an option.

There is much more to be said about depression and I am sure I will blog some more about it. Depression is the most common of mental illnesses with an estimated 1 in 10 adults reporting Depression. I thought this map was interesting to look at.


Data Source: CDC. Current Depression Among Adults --- United States, 2006 and 2008. MMWR 2010;59(38);1229-1235. (this map includes revised state estimates)

For now I wanted to share another TED talk. Although this young man does not atribute his depression to abuse. I think that he does a great job of explaining how depression has affected his life. What I love about his talk is his desire to destigmatize mental illness and depression. He makes it ok to begin talking about it.