Recognizing Depression And Getting Help

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Recognizing Depression And Getting Help

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/medicalnews.php?newsid=53650

The change of seasons and the approach of National Depression

Awareness Week, Oct. 2-9, make this a good time to re-examine the

impact of depression, a serious illness that affects as many as 20

million adult Americans each year, along with their friends and loved

ones. According to Dr. of the University of Indianapolis

Health and Counseling Center, this common mental health condition is

subject to misconceptions that often keep people from seeking the

help they need. The goal of the annual awareness observance is to

dispel those myths and assist individuals in recognizing and

understanding depression.

Myth: Depression is a personal or moral weakness.

Fact: Depression is an illness with no single cause. Heredity,

chemical changes in the body, and significant life changes or

stressors all can lead to a depressive episode.

Myth: Depression is only extreme sadness - " Snap out of it! "

Fact: Depression is more than sadness or having the " blues. " Symptoms

of depression are much more pervasive and chronic and can lead to

significant impairment in one or more areas of life.

Myth: Depressed people are lazy or looking for attention.

Fact: Actually, people with depression may attempt to hide their

distress from others. Encourage them to talk about their depression

and seek the help they need.

Warning signs of depression

Five or more can indicate clinical depression, most experts say

-- Persistent sad, anxious or " empty " mood

-- Loss of interest or pleasure in activities once found enjoyable

-- Feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness or excessive guilt

-- Fatigue or loss of energy

-- Sleeping too little or too much

-- Difficulty making decisions or diminished ability to concentrate

-- Significant weight loss or weight gain when not dieting

-- Suicidal thoughts or plans

Tips for recovery

-- Recognize that depression is a treatable illness and seek

appropriate treatment

-- Talk to friends and family about your depression and let them help

you

-- Take part in some form of regular physical activity and exercise

-- Recognize that recovery takes time; focus on the improvements you

are making

-- Curb the negative self-talk; what we say to ourselves influences

our feelings

-- Break large tasks into small ones and set realistic goals

-- Postpone important decisions until the depression has lifted