Health Articles > Depression > Baby Boomers And Depression

It is indeed rare that an individual can live life in its entirety without suffering with at least some mild depression along the way. Short-lived depression that is not overwhelming to the individual is not uncommon, but when the depression is chronic and debilitating we must seek help. Women are more likely than men to be depressed. Perhaps this is related to the hormonal changes that women endure, both in a cyclic nature and with aging. Some women suffer with depression after the birth of a baby. This is not to be confused with baby blues. True depression goes much deeper than the normal baby blues. Persons suffering with depression will experience changes in appetite as well as sleep patterns. People with depression often feel exhausted and fatigued; they may lose any drive or motivation for things that they once loved. The fatigue will continue and often escalate to the point that problems arise in relationships and on the job. In many ways baby boomers are particularly vulnerable to depression. Baby boomers are in a unique situation. They were born during a time that the economy was booming. Many have strived to create wealth and success in their life. They have lived through changing and erratic times. Baby boomers have seen the trends change from most wives and mothers staying home to the other extreme that it is rare for a family to survive on one income. They have dealt with the debates related to placing their children in public schooling versus private or homeschooling. Baby boomers have struggled with issues related to possible guilt associated with making those choices as well as others related to child raising. All parents want the best for their children but baby boomers have pioneered the way in many instances. Additionally, many baby boomers are dealing with aging parents while still assisting or raising children. Baby boomers are known as the sandwich generation for that reason. They are caught in the middle of children and parents that need assistance in some way. It seems that baby boomers have come to accept that dealing with fatigue and stress is a way of life. But chronic fatigue can escalate and result in other problems. It is not uncommon for depression, thyroid disease, or sleep apnea to be the end result. Although most depression starts because of a stressful situation the symptoms may be somewhat vague at first and only overtime have a cumulative effect. The first step to depression recovery is the recognition that there is in fact a problem that needs to be addressed. The next step is seeking help.