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Wondering if You're Depressed?
| | Most people feel down from time to time in response to a variety of life's events such as stressors at work, relationship problems, and ill- health, to name only a few. These temporary lows in our mood are common and not necessarily a sign of clinical depression. They are appropriate reactions to life's events.
| | Unfortunately, for some people, these low periods can last for a number of weeks, and more serious and disabling symptoms can develop. These individuals can often feel more and more helpless about their inability to change their situation, and struggle to cope with day-to-day demands. Before too long, the individual develops Clinical Depression, a serious medical condition that needs treatment.
| Clinical Depression is a serious condition that can affect anyone, regardless of age, economic status or ethnic background. Approximately one in five people develop a depressive illness in their lifetime. Unfortunately, too many people resist seeking treatment because they view depression as a sign of weakness rather than a serious medical illness. It is important to remember that being depressed is not 'giving in'. Being accused of self-pity or not 'pulling oneself together' doesn't help in the least.
| You may recognize the following symptoms of depression in yourself or someone you know:
| Feeling extremely sad/fearful Fatigue Lack of motivation Disturbance to normal sleep and eating patterns Loss of pleasure in usual activities Physical aches and pains Negative thinking that is hard to change.
| These symptoms usually develop over weeks, and must be present for a period of at least two weeks for someone to be regarded as clinically depressed. Other forms of depression include Postnatal Depression and Childhood Depression. Postnatal Depression is a condition whereby a mother becomes seriously depressed in the first few months following birth (10-40%). Children and Adolescents can also suffer from depression, and we will be discussing this in our next months issue (Could My Child Be Depressed?).
| What Can I Do?
| | The good news is that Clinical Depression is a treatable condition and the sooner help is received, the better the outcome.
| Firstly, it is important that medical causes are ruled out as causing the depression. Therefore, a visit to your GP to discuss your symptoms is very important. Depression cannot be diagnosed by a series of medical tests, so your GP will need to ask you specific questions about your symptoms. He or she may recommend counselling and anti-depressant medication, depending on what may have triggered your depression. Research indicates that the most effective treatment for Clinical Depression is a combination of medication and psychotherapy. The following web sites are very helpful and provide a direct link to more information on depression.
| Mental Health Foundation - NZ Taranaki District Health Board-NZ www.mentalhealthinsight.org.nz www.mentalhealth.org.nz | Talk to us about gains in these areas
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| - depression - alcohol & substance abuse - work related problems | | - anxieties, fearful states, obsessions and compulsions | | - adjustment problems in chronic illness, including pain management | | - child & family problems - eating disorders | | - relationship & interpersonal concerns - dementia | | - sexual dysfunction - post traumatic stress disorder, including physical, | | emotional & sexual abuse - intellectual & memory concerns | | - stress management - neuropsychological assessment & rehabilitation |
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