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Obsessive-compulsive disorder and depression often go hand-in-hand. Is depression a natural result of OCD or do people with OCD have a predisposition to depression? No one knows the answer, but we do know that aproximately one-third of the people with OCD have depression at the time they seek treatment. About two-thirds have had at least one episode of major depression in their life time. Others suffer from subclinical depression.
Many of the antidepressants used to treat depression are also used to treat OCD. This gives us even more reason to believe that patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder and depression may share some of the same brain structure and neurochemical abnormalities. Signs of depression include:
- Feelings of sadness, hopelessness, helplessness
- Crying or frequent tearfulness
- Loss of appetite
- Lack of energy
- Weight loss
- Sleep changes
- Suicidal thoughts, with or without a plan to carry it out
- Feelings of hopelessness or helplessness
- Lack of interest in activities and pursuits that were of interest before
- Lack of enjoyment of life, especially without knowing why
Thoughts of suicide should be taken very seriously. If you have suicidal thoughts, even occasionally, get help from a qualified mental health professional NOW. Don't wait for another day, pick up the phone and reach out for help. Most areas have a suicide hotline that can help you find and obtain the help you need. If you are a family member or friend of someone who is talking about suicide, don't hesitate. GET HELP IMMEDIATELY.
For more information about depression, check out John McManamy's excellent website at http://www.suite101.com/welcome.cfm/depr...
Even people who don't have depression can be more prone to feelings of sadness, disappointment and loneliness around the holidays. This should be the happiest time of the year, but our culture sometimes turns it into a frantic-paced season of confusion and turmoil. Or a time of loneliness and isolation. There are ways to prevent this.
1. Take care of yourself. Get plenty of rest and try to stay close to your usual daily schedule. I know this is difficult, but you will get more done in the long run if you are rested.
2. Eat right. Keep healthy foods on hand, then enjoy the fun foods and special goodies. Just make certain you treat your body to the healthy foods too.
3. Pay attention to your spiritual needs. Daily, spend time reading your Bible, praying and drawing closer to God. I found a wonderful website for Christians with depression. The Christian Depression Pages at http://www.gospelcom.net/soncrest/cdp/pa... contains information, Bible studies, resources and support for Christians with depression.
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