Mount Pleasant Magazine Sept/Oct 2021

103 www.MountPl easantPodcas t . com | www. ReadMPM. com | www. I LoveMountPl easant . com experience psychosis: hallucinations or delusions. Dysthymia is diagnosed when someone experiences depression for most of each day and on most days for at least two years. It’s often a lower level yet enduring depression. But those with major depression who are treatment- resistant can also meet the diagnosis of dysthymia. So, impairment from dysthymia can range from mild to severe. Women, according to HealthFundingResearch.org, are three times more likely than men to suffer from dysthymia. Those with seasonal affective disorder become depressed only or primarily during a particular season. For most with SAD, it’s during the fall and winter months, resulting from the shorter days and reduced sunshine. But some people experience SAD during the summer months instead. The onset of SAD is typically around the age of 20 and affects 10 million Americans each year. Bipolar disorder affects close to three percent of American adults, according to the NIMH. This treatable but lifelong disease typically develops in women in their mid to upper 20s. For men, the onset is usually in the teens to the early 20s. Bipolar is signified by its bouts of both mania or hypomania and its opposite extreme, depression. Though an individual with bipolar will experience both sides of the spectrum, in women, depression is often the most problematic, while for men, it’s the mania. Those with bipolar often experience psychosis during bouts of mania and sometimes with depression too. Postpartum depression affects 10% to 15% of women, according to the NIMH. Postpartum depression shouldn’t be confused with the “baby blues,” which is milder, short-lived and related to the worry and fatigue of parenting a new baby. Instead, postpartum depression results from hormonal changes during pregnancy and following childbirth. CAUSES The exact cause of depression is unknown. But several factors likely contribute to the condition. According to the Mayo Clinic, those with depression have physical changes in their brains. These changes in the brain may eventually help researchers determine the exact cause of depression. Depression is also genetic. Even hormonal changes can play a role in depression, particularly for women. TREATMENT In some cases, depression results from an underlying medical condition, such as thyroid problems or low vitamin B levels. It’s important to visit your primary care physician for blood work to rule out other causes. If medical causes are ruled out, it’s best to consult with a psychiatrist. Although primary care physicians can treat depression, psychiatrists have specialized training in diagnosing and treating the various forms of depression. For those who are treatment- resistant, psychopharmacologists have additional specialized training in how drugs affect the mind and behavior. Many psychiatrists also recommend cognitive therapy with a behavioral therapist to help individuals cope with the effects of depression or deal with any underlying trauma or events fueling the depression. Finally, for those with SAD, sitting under a light therapy box daily for 20 to 40 minutes can help. feature UPSCALE LUXURY SECOND TO NONE Manicure • Pedicure • Facial • Waxing 617 Johnnie Dodds Blvd. Mount Pleasant www.843nailspa.com Appointments & Walk-Ins are Welcome! ® Veteran and family owned and operated Mt. Pleasant’s premiere location for protein meal replacement shakes and clean energy teas! • 843.513.8888 • 1485 N HWY 17 UNIT F Mt Pleasant, SC