Depression

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Depression is not just a feeling of sadness or a case of the blues. It is a nuero-biological disorder that is commonly misunderstood and under-diagnosed. Unlike depressed feelings that can result from everyday stressed and life circumstances, the symptoms of clinical depression linger for weeks or longer. When left untreated depression can interfere with normal functioning and affect work/school performance, relationships and ultimately life itself.

Common symptoms include:

• Feeling sad and empty
• Loss of pleasure in formerly enjoyable activities
• Recurring thoughts about death or suicide
• Feeling guilty, hopeless or worthless
• Insomnia or oversleeping
• Poor appetite or overeating
• Inability to concentrate, think clearly or make decisions
• Loss of energy
• Feeling restless or irritableness

The good news is that depression is manageable and treatable. There are three forms of treatment available: medication, therapy, and a combination of medication and therapy, with the last proven to be most effective. The bad news is that the stigma and misinformation that is associated with this disorder and its treatment often prohibit people from asking for help and the assistance that is available.

Myth – Depression is all in a person's head, one just needs to get over it and be happy.
For a person who is depressed, changing thought is difficult. They would like to be able to shift gears. When a person's attempt to change fails, the conclusion is that he/she must suffer from some sort of character defect. This in turn may increase feelings of worthlessness and hopefulness and in turn exacerbate the symptoms of depression.

Myth – A person should not have to take drugs for dealing with life; the drugs can be addictive and cause other problems.
Anti-depressant medications are a very effective line of treatment for people who suffer from depression. They are not habit-forming. When the symptoms and problems are properly evaluated by the appropriate health professional, these medications offer much relief for sufferers. However, as with any prescribed medication, communication with the physician is imperative.

Myth – The person with depression is the one with the problem, not family members or loved ones.
Depression has a ripple effect. When anyone in a system suffers, others also suffer indirectly. Although medication and individual therapy may help the depressed person, group therapy is very helpful and should not be overlooked, espescially if other forms of treatment have proven ineffective.

To find available resources in your area consult your physician, mental health provider, or call:

• National Alliance for the Mentally Ill – 1-800-950-NAMI
• National Depressive and Manic Depressive Association – 1-800-826-3632
• National Foundation for Depressive Illness, Inc – 1-800-826-3632
• National Mental Health Association – 1-800-969-6642