People who suffer from ADHD are especially prone to the symptoms of depression, and those who have chronic depression may also have ADHD. It’s often a question of which came first: the chicken or the egg?
Difficulty concentrating is one of the common symptoms of depression, and the trademark characteristic of attention deficit disorder, so the fact that the two are often related is not a surprise.
Caregivers for children with ADHD and other behavioral health conditions can also often feel depression, especially if their responsibilities seem too difficult to cope with or the parent feels overwhelmed.
Depression and ADHD are also both genetically linked in some families, which can also make it difficult to tell the difference between one another.
How can you tell if you or your child are depressed?
In general, feelings of depression last for a period of two weeks and longer. Everyone has their share of ups and downs in life, but when the downs seem to be more frequent than the ups – and shaking away the blues becomes more and more difficult, it marks a cause for concern to speak with a professional regarding depression.
Here are some of the common signs you may be depressed:
Feelings of Out of Control or Being Overwhelmed
Feeling sadness
Feeling apathetic towards life and others
Avoiding Family and Friends and Social Interaction
Increased irritability and outbursts
Feelings of being worthless
Feelings of self-blame
Feelings of anxiousness or unexplained fears
Headaches and fatigue
Thoughts about death or suicide
Most doctors are able to quickly evaluate and diagnose depression. There are also many clinics who provide free depression screening. It is important however to know what the differences are between ADHD and depression:
Chronic Sad Mood: It is not unusual for someone with ADHD to experience sadness or unhappiness, but most times it is a reaction from a specific event. With depression, one may feel unhappy or sadness for no reason at all. The ADHD mind, quick to forget and move on, generally does not dwell too long on one thing – whereas with depression it is a recurring mood that does not go away. I
It is also important to note that most people who suffer from depression are generally in denial about it. They do not want to admit they are depressed, or they will not be honest that they feel the characteristic symptoms. Parents of children with ADHD, but with no medical diagnosis for themselves are especially prone to being in denial about depression.
Depression can start at just about any age, so while it is more commonly diagnosed in older children, even toddlers and elementary school students can display the signs and symptoms of depression.
It’s OKAY to Feel Depressed
Before we go on any farther about what to do about depression, we want to make clear that it is okay to be depressed. There is nothing “wrong” with you – millions of other people have depression and feel the same feelings as you do.
With the way our society is today, depression is higher than ever. Why? Because people are not nice to each other. There is high stress and ridiculous demands put on us everywhere. Much of what we see on television and through the media can also make us feel depressed. We generally do not eat as well as we should, which can also play a big role in our mood and well being.
For most people, life is chaotic, whether you have ADHD or not.
So if you feel depressed, don’t be embarrassed about it. Don’t try to deny it. Because depression does not have to last forever. It can be treated in a number of different ways.
Common Treatments for Depression
Screening for Physical Disorders: Diabetes, Thyroid Disorders, and many other physical conditions can sometimes be linked to depression. It is helpful to work with a doctor who is experienced in both the physical and emotional sides of depression. Often times for example a patient who is feeling depressed may simply have a thyroid or hormonal imbalance. This is especially common in women.
Changes in Diet: Food plays a big role in how much energy we have and how well our bodies are able to perform from day to day. When you take care of your body physically, it will help it work out things that bother us emotionally as well. Sugar for example can lead to depression, as it causes changes in blood sugar levels that can cause erratic mood swings. Caffeine is another stimulant that can sometimes cause depression when used in excess. Eating foods that are high in Omega 3 Fatty Acids, and reducing sugar consumption can often help one feel better without the need for medication.
Therapy: While therapy sometimes has a negative stigma attached to it, it’s actually quite helpful IF you do your homework and get a good therapist. There’s no need to feel ashamed about talking to a therapist about your problems and thoughts and feelings – most of us simply were never taught the skills required to deal with the frustrations of life. For children, play therapy is usually the most beneficial and helps kids learn techniques to talk about their problems and work through them.
Medication: Medication is usually a last resort as a treatment for depression, and often medications can have severe side effects. However, medication can also often be a major help for some. It is important to research whether depression may be a side effect of a medication. It is also very important to be careful when combining stimulant and anti-depressant medications together. Some medications for depression, such as Wellbutrin, can sometimes make some people feel worse.
To find the best treatment for depression, identifying the cause is key in choosing one that will be effective. For example, if it is a physical problem, treating the physical problem will treat the depression. If it is due to a poor diet, a healthier diet can help. If it is due to just experiencing a low time in your life, therapy can help you work out problems and find solutions to help you be happy and enjoy life again to its fullest. If it is believed to be due to a chemical imbalance, medications may help.
If your doctor suggests you have depression, make sure they do a thorough evaluation to diagnose the cause of it. When there is a clearly defined cause, it is much easier to choose the treatment that will be the most successful and effective for you.
If you or your child is suffering from depression and ADHD, here are some things you can do to help:
1. Seek Treatment: Why suffer when you don’t have to? There are people in every town who can help you deal with and treat depression. It’s nothing to be ashamed or embarrassed about – it’s no different going to the doctor for a sore throat or a fever.
2. Reduce Triggers: While no one can live in a bubble and remove all stress from our lives, there are a lot of things that we can change that will make it easier to cope with depression.
3. Find an Outlet: It’s good to find ways to help deal with feelings as they come up. Some people do better with writing or painting, others can find that jogging or pounding tennis balls can be therapeutic. Finding a positive way to express your feelings can help you greatly.
4. Get Outside: Natural sunlight and fresh air can always help any situation feel brighter. Research has shown that those who do not get enough sunshine can be prone to depression, also known as seasonal affective disorder, because it is especially common in areas that get less light in the winter months.
Depression and ADHD can be overwhelming sometimes, but it is not a hopeless situation. There is a lot of help out there available – you do not have to do it alone! Speak with your doctor, or find if there are services available in your area. Many times these services are available free of charge, even if you do not have insurance.
