According to the CDC, suicide rates for middle-aged Americans went up dramatically during the last decade, with a 60% increase for women, and a 37% increase for men. Sadly, this epidemic probably wouldn’t even make headlines if weren’t for the recent suicides of Kate Spade and Anthony Bourdain. They were 55 and 61, respectively.
This leaves us with the obvious question of, ‘why?’
Suicide is often seen as a symptom of depression. Substance abuse, loneliness, financial woes, problems in relationships, job dissatisfaction are all common contributors to suicide rates.
Instructor in clinical medicine and psychiatry for Weill Cornell Medical College in New York, Samantha Boardman says, “Life satisfaction hits an all-time low in middle age. This dip in happiness is known as the U curve. Depression and stress are particularly high in this age group. Juggling responsibilities and managing multiple roles takes a toll and can lead to feeling overwhelmed, a loss of control and despair.”
For celebrities, like those whose suicides brought our attention to this problem, social isolation can be a particularly dangerous trigger. According to Tulane University assistant professor, Catherine Burnette, “Social connection is one of the biggest antidotes to suicide. I think it can be pretty isolating to be a celebrity, where outside people may seek social opportunities rather than social connection. If people have been drinking or using substances as a coping mechanism, the cost of that might peak at those ages, too.”
Depression can be caused by a host of reasons. The condition can be psychological in nature and it can be endogenous. Psychological depression is the result of a persistent negative appraisal of one’s life, the quality of daily experience, and the value which people attribute to their day to day activities. Endogenous depression has an internal mechanistic cause, such as a neurological imbalance. It is much rarer and harder to treat.
Many people who suffer from psychological depression can easily mistake their condition for endogenous depression. When we fail to perceive our daily experience as anything but negative, it can be hard to imagine how we can frame it any other way. Proceeding this way, many people assume their lives are normal and therefore the depression indicates an internal problem that cannot be fixed by changing their thinking habits. Because psychological depression is much more common, cognitive therapy remains the most effective medical treatment for depression overall.
Those suffering from endogenous depression can be treated with antidepressants. However, these drugs rarely represent a complete and lasting cure. Negativistic thinking habits and developed tolerance to the drugs mean patients have to be monitored, often for the rest of their lives.
We know the limitations of psychological treatments. Unfortunately, many of us have been misled to think that the science is perfect and that drugs and therapy can solve any problem. This is an attitude that leaves the patient out of the loop as a contributor to the cure. Above all else- it is the will of the individual to be well that is a determining factor in mental health.
That said, what can one do to stave off or recover from depression? There are answers- answers that even the experts, in their wisdom, cannot compete with.
Studies have shown that the omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil can help to remedy the problems associated with endogenous depression. People suffering from depression are often low in eicosapentaenoic neurochemicals which are found in fish oils. Eating fish a few times a week can remedy this deficiency.
Another home remedy that has proven effective include, St. Johns Wort. It is a popular treatment for depression in Europe and by itself can help with mild cases. SAMe, a synthetic supplement that replaces certain missing brain chemicals and is available without a prescription. Saffron extract can help with feelings of depression- but high doses are not recommended. 5-HTP is available over the counter in the US- may improve serotonin levels- but there are concerns and more research is needed. DHEA is a hormone made by the body which can be in short supply and is replaceable with supplementation.
But the best treatment for depression known to science remains social and physical stimulation. Minus all other factors, exercise alone performs as well or better than any existing anti-depressant and does not come with any of the frightening side effects associated with drugs.
Science and the media are slow to promote social interaction and exercise because no one can bottle it and clichés make bad writing. But the simple habit of daily exercise outdoors is still the surest cure for depression.
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