Double Depression
Hopelessness & Feelings of Not Belonging Are Key Factors
Dysthymia & major depression equals double depression. A sign of this depressed state is high hopelessness. Treatment for depression includes feelings of belonging.
Hopelessness is one of many signs of depression, but Psychology Professor Thomas Joiner (Florida State University) identified extreme hopelessness as a key factor in double depression.
Double Depression: The Definition
According to Science Daily, "Double depression occurs when an individual who suffers from dysthymia, a persistent case of mild depression marked by low energy, falls into a major depressive state."
Psychologists aren't as familiar with double depression as they are with dysthymia or mild-to-moderate depression. Joiner's research could help therapists diagnose and treat double depression.
Double Depression: Hard to Treat
"It's clinically important because it is under-recognized and harder to treat than either dysthymia or major depression themselves," says Joiner. "The hopelessness result is significant, and it suggests that therapists should especially focus on this feature early and often in the treatment of double-depressed patients."
When therapists don't recognize double depression, they have a hard time treating it. Depression is highly treatable especially with the right combination of therapies (lifestyle, counseling, nutrition, sleep, medication).
Double Depression: Coping With Feelings of Hopelessness
Helping depressed people is difficult because they've given up. They feel bleak – it's them against the world and they don't have the energy to fight. Double-depressed individuals' feelings of hopelessness are magnified, making treatment even more difficult. They don't feel like they're in control, nor do they have the will to take their power back.
Other signs of depression include low self-esteem, persistent feelings of sadness, changes in sleeping and eating habits, withdrawal from friends and family, substance abuse, and suicidal thoughts.
Double Depression: Treatment Options
Feeling as if you belong is huge in overcoming depressive states, whether it's dysthymia or double depression. Having a strong social support system is one of the key factors in overcoming depression – and that doesn't mean having lots of friends or a huge supportive family. Feeling as if you belong simply means knowing what your place is in your community, home, workplace, family or city.
The best treatment for depression is the standard "see your doctor." Exactly how you'll get better depends on the factors leading up to your depression (a loss, illness, new baby, etc). You may simply need to change your diet or increase the amount of sunlight you get – or you may need more in-depth treatment like antidepressants or weekly counseling sessions.
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Source: Science Daily
