A Health Campaign of Uniformed Services University, www.usuhs.edu, and theCenter for the Study of Traumatic Stress, Bethesda, Maryland, www.CSTSonline.org

What Military Families Should
Know about Depression
Service members and their families
expectations of family and friends, theDepression is one of the mostexperience unique emotional challenges.
sadness of not having a loved one present,Deployment and redeployment, single
or having to say good-bye after a holiday
common and treatableparenting, and long absences of loved ones
reunion, can contribute to depression.
mental disorders.
are stressful aspects of military life. At times,
Depression is one of the most common
these events can lead to sadness, feelings ofand treatable mental disorders. Delay
hopelessness, and withdrawal from friends,
in identifying depression often leads tofamilies, and colleagues. Depression can be a part ofneedless suffering for the depressed individual and his or
chronic fatigue or unexplained aches and pains. Parenting
her family.
can feel more a burden than a joy. We may feel irritable andThis Courage to Care fact sheet provides informationeven neglectful of our children’s needs. When these feelings
to help you talk more effectively about depression withand behaviors appear, depression may be present. Seeking
healthcare providers, family, and friends.
care for depression, for ourselves or loved ones, takes
A primary care visit is an opportunity to explore
energy and courage.
concerns about the mental health of your spouse, yourself,
The earlier depression is detected and treated, the lessand/or your children. What is depression? How does itlikely it is to develop into a more serious problem thatappear in adults, adolescents, children, and the elderly?
can impact one’s job, career, health and relationships.
The following information might help you or someone you
Depression is not uncommon during or after thelove identify and seek help for depression.
holiday season. Preparing for the holidays, the increased
What is Depression?
Depression is an illness that involves one’s body, mood,and thoughts. It affects the way a person eats and sleeps,
the way one feels about oneself, and the way one thinks
about things. Depression is not a passing blue mood, noris it a sign of personal weakness. Depression is a treatable
medical illness just like diabetes or heart disease. Individuals
who are depressed often experience more difficulty inperforming their job, caring for their children, and in theirpersonal relationships.
A family history of depression and negative life
experiences such as loss, trauma, serious illness, andstress can also contribute to the onset of depression. Thereare effective treatments today for depression including
medications and therapy. Without treatment, symptoms
can last for weeks, months, or years. Appropriate treatment,
however, can help most people who suffer from depression.
The majority of people who are treated for depression will
improve, even those with serious depression. Unfortunately,
one-third of sufferers seek help, as they do not realize
depression is a treatable illness.

Who Gets Depression?
Depression is one of the most common mental
disorders. Women are at a higher risk and experience
depression about twice as often as men. Many womenare also particularly vulnerable after the birth of a baby.
The hormonal and physical changes, as well as the added
responsibility of a new life, can be factors that lead topostpartum depression. While the “blues” are common in
new mothers and go away, a major depressive episode is notnormal and requires active intervention.
Depression in men often shows up in the form of alcoholor drug use and working long hours. Men may act irritable,angry, and discouraged when they are depressed. Men areoften less willing than women to seek help. Depressioncommonly affects people between the ages of 30–44.
These are prime parenting years and prime working years.
Parenting is challenging in good health, but can be more
so if one is depressed. As a parent, it is important to seek
treatment for depression as this condition affects everyone
in your family.
Continued

In any given year, 9.5 percent of the population (about 18.8
million Americans) experience depression. The economic
cost for this disorder is high, but the cost in human sufferingcannot be estimated.
Signs and Symptoms of Depression
There are some common signs that might indicate
depression, but getting a doctor’s opinion is the first step toevaluation. Signs and symptoms include:
Symptoms of Adult Depression■ Persistent sad or empty mood
■ Loss of interest or pleasure in ordinary activities■ Changes in appetite or sleep■ Decreased energy or fatigue■ Inability to concentrate or make decisions■ Feelings of guilt, hopelessness, or worthlessness■ Thoughts of death or suicide

Symptoms of Adolescent Depression■ Loss of interest in school and regular activities; drop inschool performance■ Physical symptoms, like chronic headaches or

stomachaches that cannot be attributed to a physicalillness■ Aggression and excessive crying■ Irritability, withdrawal, isolative behavior, and loss ofinterest and/or pleasure in previously enjoyed activities■ Sleep disturbance (reduced or increased sleep), changes

in appetite (reduced or increased appetite), and reduced
energySymptoms of Depression in the Elderly
Depression in older adults can be disabling andcontribute to the inability to perform activities of dailyliving. Depression in the elderly is complex and difficult todiagnose due to other medical illnesses that may be present.
Clinicians need to differentiate between depression andproblems such as dementia, stroke, and other types of brain
injuries and illnesses.
General Health Tips for the Holidays
The following health tips are important for managing
mild depression and for optimizing one’s health, especiallyduring the holiday season:■ Manage your diet

■ Withdrawal from friends and family■ Get adequate rest

■ Negative thoughts of self and future■ Avoid alcohol■ Difficulty making decisions■ Participate in regular exercise

Symptoms of Depression in Pre-adolescent ChildrenChildren with other psychiatric disorders (ADHD,
conduct disorder, eating disorders, and anxiety disorders),
and those with general medical conditions (diabetes,asthma, cancers, and other chronic illnesses) may be prone
to depression. The prevalence may also be higher amongchildren with developmental disorders and intellectualdisability.

■ Surround yourself with people who are important toyou■ Communicate your feelings to someone you trust■ Join a social support group in your military community

or in your local area

Courage to Care is a health promotion campaign of Uniformed Services University
and its Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress (CSTS). CSTS is the academic
arm and a partnering Center of the Defense Centers of Excellence (DCoE) for
Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury.

Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress
Department of Psychiatry
Uniformed Services University
4301 Jones Bridge Road, Bethesda, MD 20814-4799
www.CSTSonline.org