The National Institute of Mental Health writes that depression is more than the occasional feeling of sadness, lasting a couple of days. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, published by the American Psychiatric Association, depression consists of pervasive feelings of sadness lasting at least two weeks. The Mayo Clinic indicates that the sadness and other symptoms associated with depression often lead to many problems with daily functioning.
Suicide
The National Institute of Mental Health indicates that 90 percent of the individuals who die as a result of a suicide had depression or some other mental disorder. Besides the obvious effects of committing suicide on the individual, suicide often has profound effects on surviving friends and family. The grief and loss associated with the suicide of a loved one can be difficult to overcome.
Family Problems
Jennifer Baxt, a licensed mental health counselor, writes for the St. Louis Psychologists and Counseling Information and Referral website that even a strong and close family unit can grow apart when a member of the family has severe depression. Conversely, an already dysfunctional family unit may cause the problem in the first place. Baxt indicates that factors associated with the family unit falling apart include the depressed individual choosing to self-medicate by using substances, he exhibits irritability or withdraws from his family.
Substance Abuse
The National Institute of Mental Health indicates that men are more likely than women to engage in the use of alcohol or drugs when depressed. A developing substance abuse problem may cause many new problems such as physical health issues, family problems, as described above, and a decline of functioning at work.
Work Problems
According to the Mayo Clinic several symptoms of depression include slowed thinking, problems with decision making, distractibility and problems concentrating. Any of these symptoms may contribute to a decline of functioning in the workplace. The depressed individual may become overwhelmed easily, further compounding the problems. Significant declines in performance at work may result in termination from the position, resulting in the loss of income, having effects financially on the individual and his family.
School Problems
Difficulties in any level of school may develop as a result of the symptoms described above for work problems. The demands of school may prove insurmountable for an individual who frequently feels sad and has little energy or motivation. As a consequence, the depressed individual may fail or drop out of school.
Sex Life
The Mayo Clinic indicates that depressed individuals often experience a loss in sex drive. This loss of libido may cause relationship problems as a couple struggles with intimacy. A failure to communicate about this symptom of depression may lead to increased arguments and hurt feelings, as one or both individuals assign blame on his or herself for the problem.
Post-Partum Depression
The National Institute of Mental Health indicates that many women are vulnerable to developing depression following the birth of a child. The associated symptoms of post-partum depression can disrupt a mother's ability to care for her newborn. Members of the depressed mother's family will need to provide higher levels of support to help her to cope and raise the child.
References
- "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th Edition, Text Revision"; American Psychiatric Association; 2000
- The MayoClinic.com: Depression (Major Depression)
- The National Institute of Mental Health: Depression
- The National Institute of Mental Health: Suicide in the U.S.: Statistics and Prevention
- St. Louis Psychologists and Counseling Information and Referral: What Impact Does Depression Have on Your Family?; Jennifer Baxt, LMHC
