It should be remembered that these drugs, e.g. Prozac and Zoloft, will not work overnight, rather a lag time of three to four weeks maybe seen before a true mood-elevating effect is seen. On the other hand, patients with mild depressions or depression secondary to environmental stress or interpersonal conflicts are best treated with counseling or psychotherapy. Signs and symptoms of this disorder include depressed mood, inability to experience pleasure, appetite disturbance, sleep disturbance, psychomotor disturbance, fatigue or loss of energy, feelings of worthlessness or excessive inappropriate guilt, diminished ability to concentrate or indecisiveness and recurrent thoughts of death or suicidal ideation for a period of at least two weeks. Not all of the above symptoms are necessarily present at one time. It should be noted that depression may also be secondary to other physical problems, e.g. hypothyroidism.
Major depression is a serious medical problem.
Physical and mental manifestation of this disorder is not only debilitating to the individual, but it can negatively affect the loved ones around the depressed individual. Since this disorder is usually treatable, it is important for patients with this disorder to seek professional help. Recent Afghan refugees who are depressed may not be able to voice their problems due to language barrier and lack of knowledge about the subject or may not know that they have a problem. Thus it is important for Afghans to recognize symptoms of this problem and to seek help for the family member who is suffering from this treatable disorder. A Community Assessment.