Depression FAQ
FAQ
Depression (Frequently Asked Questions)
Question #1
Introduction
Answer:
Unless otherwise noted, all quotations are taken from: D/Art (depression Awareness, Recognition, Treatment) Public Inquiries National Institute of Mental Health Room 10-85 5600 Fishers Lane Rockville, MD. 20857 Many people have heard the term "depressive illness", but are clueless to its, social, physical, and mental implications. People with a "depressive illness" are often labelled as mentally unstable and unsound. Other very stabbing and prejudicial statements are made about those of us who suffer with depression. Few people would recognize the impact depression has not only on an individual, but upon those closest to him or her. I'd like to take the next few moments to discuss this silent disease.
Question #2
2) What is a Depressive Illness?
Answer
A depressive illness is a "whole-body" illness, involving your body, mood, thoughts, and behaviour. It affects the way you eat and sleep, the way you feel about yourself, and the way you think about things. A depressive illness is NOT a passing blue mood. It is NOT a sign of personal weakness or a condition that can be willed or wished away. People with a depressive illness cannot merely "pull themselves together" and get better. Without treatment, symptoms can last for weeks, months or years. Appropriate treatment however, can help over 80 percent of those who suffer from depression." (page 1) So you see, depression affects a person in many ways. Often others who are around a depressed person, really don't have a clue how the depression affects the person in all areas of his or her life. Having a working definition of a "depressive illness", lets move on to the different:
Question #3
3) What are the types of Depression?
Answer
Depressive illnesses come in different forms, just as do other illnesses, such as heart disease. Major Depression is manifested by a combination of symptoms that interfere with the ability to work, sleep, eat, and enjoy once pleasurable activities, these disabling episodes of depression can occur, once, twice, or several times in a lifetime. A less severe type of depression, dysthymia, involves long-term chronic symptoms that do not disable, but keep you from functioning at "full steam" or from feeling good. Sometimes people with dysthymia also experience major depressive episodes. Another type of depressive illness is manic-depressive illness, also called bi-polar depression. Not nearly as prevalent as other forms of depressive illness, manic-depressive illness involves cycles of depression and elation or mania. Sometimes the mood switches are dramatic and rapid, but must often they are gradual. When in the depressed cycle, you can have any or all of the symptoms of a depressive illness. When in the manic cycle, any or all symptoms listed under mania may be experienced. Mania often affects thinking, judgement, and social behaviour in ways that cause serious problems and embarrassment. For example unwise business or financial decisions may be made when in a manic phase." (page 2 - 3) Soo, how can you determine if you have a depressive illness? There is a guideline of symptoms which I will describe next.
Question #4
4) What are the symptoms of Depression and Manina?
Answer:
Not everyone who is depressed or manic experience every
symptom. Some people experience a few symptoms, some
many. Also, severity of symptoms varies with individual.
Depression.
o Persistent sad, anxious or "empty" mood.
o Feelings of hopelessness, pessimism
o Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, helplessness
o Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and
activities that you once enjoyed, including sex.
o Insomnia, early-morning,awakening, or
oversleeping
o Appetite and/or weight loss or overeating and
weight gain
o Decreased energy, fatigue, being "Slowed down"
o Thoughts of death or suicide, suicide attempts
o Restlessness, irritability
o Difficulty concentrating, remembering, making
decisions
o Persistent physical symptoms that do not respond
to treatment, such as headaches, digestive disorders,
and chronic pain.
Mania
o Inappropriate elation
o Inappropriate irritability
o Severe insomnia
o Grandiose notions
o Increased Talking
o Disconnected and racing thoughts
o Increased sexual desire
o Markedly increased energy
o Poor Judgement
o Inappropriate social behaviour"
(page 2)
So you can see, that both depression and mania, take on
many, varied forms. I myself, suffer from
manic-depression. The first step for me, was admitting to
myself, and others, that I did have a problem. Often,
having a depressive illness, is seen as a sign of personal
weakness. It is not. Depressive illnesses seems to run in
families as we shall see in the next segment:
Question #5
5) What are the causes of Depression?
Answer:
There is a risk for developing depression when there is a family history, indicating that a biological vulnerability can be inherited. The risk may be somewhat higher for those with bipolar depression. However, not everybody with a genetic vulnerability develops the illness. Apparently additional factours, possibly a stressful environment and other psychosocial factours, are involved in the onset of depression. Though major depression seems to occur generation after generation, in some families, it can also occur in people who have no family history of depression. Whether the disease is inherited or not, it is evident that individuals with major depressive illness often have too little or too much of certain neurochemicals. Psychological makeup also plays a role in vulnerability to depression. People who have low self-esteem, who consistently view themselves and the world with pessimism, or who are readily overwhelmed by stress, are prone to depression." (page 3)
Question #6
6) What can be done for Depression?
Answer:
So what can we do? Do we admit that this illness can never be cured? How do we cope with depression? Here's some guidelines that I hope will help. o First find a mental health care professional who can assess your symptoms and make the appropriate diagnosis. If your problem is a chemical imbalance, often this can be alleviated by adding or eliminating the chemicals necessary to restore health. Because of my own manic- depression, I am utilizing Lithium Carbonate to help control the cycling of moods from mania to depression, and vice versa. Lithium is a salt, and for me, helps to stabilize my condition, so I don't suffer the debilitating effects of cycling between mania and depression. You might find it easier to talk to a trusted friend, or clergy (pastor). They can become your most powerful allies. o When I am depressed, I tend to isolate myself from the love, care and concern of others. This is probably the time we need that support the most. Remember, others can't read our minds. We need to tell them what we are struggling with. Honesty involves vulnerability, and the possibility of being rejected. Something we face each day. But I've found if we never risk, and always play it safe, we become stagnant and never grow. Learn how to risk with others, in a safe, non-threatening environment. Also, consider these suggestions: " o Do not set yourself difficult goals or take on a great deal of responsibility. o Break large tasks into small ones, set some priorities, and do what you can as you can. o Do not expect too much from yourself. This will only increase feelings of failure. o Try to be with other people; it is usually better than being alone. o Participate in activities that may make you feel better. You might try mild exercise, going to a movie, a ballgame, or participating in religious or social activities. Don't overdo it or get upset if your mood is not great improved right away. Feeling better takes time. o Do not make major life decisions, such as changing jobs or getting married or divorced, without consulting others who know you well and who have a more objective view of your situation. In any case, it is advisable to postpone important decisions until your depression has lifted. o Do not expect to "snap out" of your depression. People rarely do. Help yourself as much as you can, and do not blame yourself for not being up to par. o Remember, do not accept your negative thinking. It is part of the depression and will disappear as your depression responds to treatment." (page 8) This is crucial: "Since depression can make you feel exhausted and helpless, you will want and probably need help from others. However, people who have never had a depressive illness may not fully understand its effect. They won't mean to hurt you, but they may say and do things that do." (page 9) Be tolerant!
Question #7
7) Conclusion
Answer:
Finally, "The most important thing anyone can do for the depressed person is to help him or her get appropriate diagnosis and treatment. This may involve encouraging the individual to stay with treatment until symptoms being to abate (several weeks), or to seek different treatment, if no improvement occurs. On occasion, it may require making an appointment and accompanying the depressed person to the doctor. It may also mean monitoring whether the depressed person is taking medication. The second most important things is to offer emotional support. This involves understanding, patience, affection and encouragement. Engage the depressed person in conversation and listen carefully. Do not ignore remarks about suicide. Always report them to the doctor. Invite the depressed person for walks, outings to the movies, and other activities. Be gently insistent if your invitation is refused. Encourage participation in some activities that once gave pleasure, such as hobbies, sports, religious or cultural activities, but do not push the depressed person to undertake too much too soon. The depressed person needs diversion and company, but too many demands can increase the feelings of failure. Do not accuse the depressed person of faking illness of laziness or expect him or her "to snap out of it." Eventually with treatment, most depressed people do get better. Keep in mind, and keep reassuring the depressed person that with time and help, he or she will feel better." (page 9) It has been and continues to be, a difficult battle for me. Each and every day, seems to be fraught with new frustrations. But I especially take courage from this scripture: John 16:33 "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." (NIV)
Question #8
8) Additional Resources
Answer:
Bring Change 2 Mind
Psycom Net
Address comments about this faq to: Wayno
wayno.nospam@pobox.com