Stressed and Depressed? How Stress and Depression Can Work Together, Against Your Health Ever since 9-11 it seems the news has become so stressful that it could make you sick… (NAT POP) In fact, studies show it is making us sick—both physically and emotionally. STRESS IS THE PRIMARY INDUCER OF MOST EPISODES OF DEPRESSION." Emory psychiatrist Charles Raison conducts cutting-edge research on stress. (Nat up negative TV) " THE CORRELATION WAS TIGHTER BETWEEN HOW MUCH TELEVISION PEOPLE WATCHED AND HOW DISTRESSED THEY BECAME AS OPPOSED TO HAVING SEEN IT IN REAL LIFE—ESPECIALLY THAT WAS SHOWN IN CHILDREN." Nat up Honk Honk The grind of our fast-paced, frenetic lives is stressing us to the breaking point, and experts say the long-term implications are, well, down right depressing… "WE AS A PLANET ARE IN AN EPIDEMIC OF MAJOR DEPRESSION." Stress affects each of us differently. Some are able to shut out or cope with tension, while others are genetically predisposed to react in a way that's makes them vulnerable to becoming depressed. "IF YOU'RE SOMEBODY WHO'S HAD DEPRESSION IN THE PAST OR HAS DEPRESSION, OR COMES FROM A FAMILY ENVIRONMENT WHERE THERE'S A LOT OF DEPRESSION FLOATING AROUND, THEN YOU'RE SOMEBODY'S WHO'S AT RISK FOR RESPONDING TO PSYCHO-SOCIAL STRESS FROM THE ENVIRONMENT WITH DEPRESSION." How will you know if depression has taken the place of everyday stress? Look for these warning signs: In men:frequent eruptions of anger or irritability overuse of alcohol or drugs trouble staying focused at work. And difficulty getting a good night's sleep. Women's symptoms can be more subtle:a persistent sad or 'empty' feeling. Sleeping too little or too much An unusual change of appetite or body weight Restlessness or irritability. In severe cases in both sexes, suicidal thoughts may enter the equation. Experts have found great promise with psychotherapy and anti-depressant drugs in treating depression…. (NAT UP AND UNDER) And there are other ways to reduce stress and prevent depression which we'll explore in our next video segment. For WebMD, I'm Damon Meharg.