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Everyone gets sad sometimes--a brief blue mood, feelings of disappointment, or the more serious grief after losing a loved one. Depression is not a mere case of the blues; it's more than a period of adness. Depression is a serious medical illness that affects your body as well as your moods and thoughts. And it requires treatment, just like diabetes, asthma, or heart disease.
There are a number of signs and symptoms that help a doctor know if a person has depression. If he or she has had at least FIVE of the following symptoms for most of the day, nearly every day for MORE THAN 2 WEEKS, depression may be present:
~~~Feelings of sadness, depressed mood, and/or irritability
~~~Loss of interest or pleausre in activities, such as hobbies or spending time with family/friends
~~~Changes in weight or appetite
~~~Changes in sleeping pattern--sleeping too much or not at all
~~~Feelings of guilt, hopelessness, or worthlessness
~~~Inability to concentrate, remember things, or make decisions
~~~Constant fatigue or lost of energy
~~~Restlessness or decresased activity
~~~RRecurrent thoughts of suicide or death
WHAT DEPRESSION IS NOT:
Depression isn't something to be ashamed of, nor is it a character flaw or a sign of a weak personality. No one with depression can just "snap out of it." You wouldn't ask someone to "snap out of" diabetes or some other illness, and you cannot expect it of a person with depression.
WHAT CAUSES DEPRESSION?:
Depression can be caused by an imbalance of certain chemicals in the brain. These chemicals are natural substances that allow brain cells to communicate with one another. Depression can also be triggered by stress, medication, or other medical illensses. Certain personality traits and genectic factors can also contribute to depression. But no matter what has caused a person's depression, it can be treeted--and help is widely available.
CAN ANYONE GET DEPRESSED??:
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, more than 17 million Americans develop depression each year-that's 1 out of every 10 people. Chances are, at some point in your life, you or someone you know will become depressed. And depression strikes BOTH sexes and people from all walks of life.
YOU CAN HELP DEPRESSED PEOPLE!!:
You play an important role in helping people get trhough this difficult period in his/her life. There are many way to help:
***Remind them to keep his/her doctor's appoitments and take prescribed medications. Depressed persons are often tempted to stop their medication as soon as they begin to feel better. It is very important for them to keep taking their medication as directed. This will help prevent a relapse of the depression, or the return of symptoms.
***Listen and provide support. Be patient, understanding, and encouraging. Don't dismiss the depressed person's negative feelings--point out realities and offer hope instead.
***Take care of the "little things." A depressed person may need help just keeping up with tasks like doing the laundry or caring for a pet. You can offer to help until the person is feeling better.
***Remember that depression is a medical condition. Don't accuse the depressed person of faking illness or laziness. Try to encourage your loved one to develop healthy habits by sleeping at regular times, eating balanced, nutritious meals, and taking a daily walk or some other form of exercise. remember, with treatment, most depressed people DO get better!
***Make suggestions. Urger the person to postpone major life decisions, such as changing jobs, getting married or divoced, or moving until hsi/her depression has lifted.
***Learn everything you can about depression. Knowledge is power and contributes to a greater understanding of the person.
***Suicide threats are to be taken seriously. Keep in mind that it is not true, as many people believe, that a person who talks about suicide WILL NOT attempt it. Those who attempt suicide often threaten to do so as a way of asking for help. So if they seem in danger of suicide, be supportive and call a doctor.
***Take care of yourself. You may find yourself feeling sad, angry, frustrated, or helpless when caring for a depresed person. Talking with a friend or counselor can help you deal with those feelings. Doing something nice for yourself while taking care of the person can help!
ONE LAST THING TO REMEMBER:
Depression is a very treatable illness, and your loved one/friend can get better with appropriate medical treatment and support from you!! |
