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Are you
Depressed?
How To Tell, What To Do
Kristie Renardson, RN, MA, Manager, Mid-Florida Employee Assistance Program
At any given time it is estimated that five to ten percent of Americans suffer from depression. Yet, many of these individuals are too embarrassed to seek help.
In some circumstances, individuals are not aware that some of the difficulties manifested in every day life are symptoms of depression.
Unfortunately, we often form our opinions on lack of information when it comes to diseases of the brain, or as the old name refers to itÉmental illness. Patients with a more traditional "medical illness" such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or cancer, are not subject to remarks such as, "make yourself do something and get over it", or "you don't have anything to be depressed about".
According to Psychiatrist Nancy Tice, M.D., "It is important to recognize that depression is a disease, a medical illness which appears to be the result of bio-chemical abnormalities in the brain caused by extended periods of stress and duress, from which the brain is unable to re-establish its normal functions. According to Tice depression, is actually a "multi-system" disease. This means that since the brain controls multiple functions or body systems when impacted by depression, many routine functions are negatively affected."
Depression can also be genetically based. Like diabetes, depression can have a historical family pattern. Other factors that may have a relationship to depression include: economic issues, marital problems and the presence of physical illness. Situational issues such as grief, change, or loss can also have a contributory relationship to depression.
Because of the effect of depression on many body systems, the symptoms of depression can affect daily activities. Symptoms of depression include:
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A feeling of sadness nearly every day
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Decreased interest or pleasure in daily activities
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Major changes in weight or appetite
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Lack of sleep or too much sleep
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Fatigue or the feeling that activities requiring the slightest effort appear taxing or overwhelming
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Agitation or difficulty concentrating
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Recurring thoughts of death or suicide (not a plan but a feeling that "they would be better off without me")
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Inability to function at work
This list contains the more prominent features of depression but is not totally inclusive. There are well established guidelines and criteria for diagnosing depression. If an individual experiences any combination of the above symptoms for at least 2-4 weeks it is highly recommended they contact their primary care physician or a mental health professional to discuss the situation.
The treatment for depression is highly individualized. Medications today are safe and effective. Sometimes counseling with or without the addition of medication is recommended. Taking a "personal inventory" of one's life such as eating habits, exercise patterns, spirituality, relationships at home and work and other aspects of life are often included as a treatment modality.
Dr. Tice states, "Such a journey of understanding cannot be fully successful if one is struggling against severe depression. The healing process takes time. Once medications have become effective or other treatment options implemented, patients typically experience renewed strength as well as an ability to return to their normal life."
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