Depression

Depression is an illness that affects the body, mood, and thoughts. People who are depressed may feel hopeless, worthless, very sad, and have no energy or interest in doing anything. Some people describe depression as an "empty, or sad feeling that won't go away." This kind of depression that does not go away is called "clinical depression." It is different from feeling "blue" or down for a few hours or a couple of days. The rate of depression in Hispanic American/Latina women remains about twice that of men. And major depression (also known as clinical depression, in which symptoms last for at least 2 weeks but usually for several months or longer) and dysthymia (a type of depression that lasts for at least two years) may be diagnosed slightly more frequently in Hispanic American/Latino women than in White women. Possible differences in how symptoms appear may affect the way depression is recognized and diagnosed among minorities. For example, African Americans are more likely than Hispanics to report symptoms of depression that affect their whole body, such as appetite change and body aches and pains.

Many things cause depression. Depression can run in families. Changes in your brain chemistry and living through painful and difficult events in your life can cause depression. Sometimes depression is caused by certain medications people take for cancer, arthritis, heart problems, and high blood pressure. Some illnesses such as Parkinson's disease, stroke, and hormonal problems can cause depression. Most people with depression get better when they get treatment. The two most common treatments for depression are medication and psychotherapy (talking with a trained counselor). Support groups can help. Talk to your health care provider about how you are feeling. Get a checkup to see if there are physical problems or medicines that are causing your depression.