Breaking Through Barriers aims to help ensure that people with depression suffering from emotional and physical symptoms are diagnosed and treated as effectively as possible Information for Support Partners- Breaking Through Barriers aims to help ensure that people with depression suffering from emotional and physical symptoms are diagnosed and treated as effectively as possible

What is depression?

Depression, like heart disease or diabetes, is a serious medical illness that requires treatment from a healthcare professional . It can be more severe in some people than in others, and be caused by an event or stress. It may also be the result of a family history of the disease or, in some cases, may have no obvious cause. For many, depression can go away and then come back. Further, when symptoms do not go away completely, there is a greater chance that the depression will come back - but with proper treatment getting well is possible.

It is still unclear as to why some people suffer from depression, but experts have several theories. Many researchers believe depression is caused by an imbalance of two chemicals - serotonin and noradrenaline/norepinephrine - in the brain and the body. These two naturally occurring chemicals help send messages back and forth between brain and nerve cells; more specifically, they are thought to help control mood and pain. Research has shown that both of these chemicals are involved in depression. Scientists also believe that decreased levels of serotonin and noradrenaline/norepinephrine may cause people to be more sensitive to pain.1

In order to be healthy and free of depression, encourage your Partner to seek a treatment program that addresses both the emotional and painful physical symptoms.  Be sure that they discuss all of their symptoms with their doctor.

References

  1. Blier P. Crosstalk between the norepinephrine and serotonin systems and its role in the antidepressant response. J Psychiatry Neurosci. 2001;26 Suppl:S3-10.