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DEALING WITH DEPRESSION

Everyone goes through emotional ups and downs. It is normal to feel happy or low for no readily apparent reason. However, it is less common for moods to swing frequently and rapidly between high and low or to reach lows and stay there for a long time.

Having the blues or being down in the dumps once in a while is probably nothing to be concerned about. But depression, especially in its more severe forms, needs to be examined. Depressive illness can have a disturbing and disruptive effect on one’s life. Frequent and long states of depression can affect one’s health, erode a marriage and undermine job performance.

It is possible to drift from feelings of sadness or low spirits into a state of depression without realizing it. Although the symptoms are not always clear, depression shows up in several ways. Here are some warning signs:

• Periods of low mood that won’t go away.
• Loss of interest in most things job, family life, hobbies.
• No appetite or excessive appetite
• Low self image
• Unusual nervousness or irritability
• Frequent crying spells
• Change in sleeping patterns

Since these symptoms can also show up with bodily ailments, a developing depressive illness may not be diagnosed right away. Unfortunately, the depressed state may then linger until a crisis of some sort arises.

What causes it?

Most depressions are caused by psychological and biological factors. Some people can point to an event or events in their lives that “started” the depression. Divorce, the death of a loved one and severe trauma are common triggers. Sometimes people feel extreme shame or guilt because of what’s happened.

Depression often affects those who have unrealistic expectations of themselves or their families. Labeling one-self a failure or a bad person for not meeting a self-imposed standard can turn the normal low days of one’s emotional cycle into the start of a depressive illness.

What can be done?

Fortunately psychiatrists and psychotherapists can diagnose depression and guide their clients to recovery from depressive illness.

If you recognize the warning signs of depression in yourself or in someone you care about and if the symptoms persist for several weeks with no sign of improvement, it is time to seek help. Sources of support include your doctor, employee assistance program, informed friends, family members, local crisis line, mental health center, community resource center, clergy and various support groups made up of people working on similar problems. Help is available.

Remember your Employee Assistance Program is:
• Confidential: All information is kept strictly between you and your counselor
• Informal: A simple phone call starts the process and there’s no red tape.

For assistance call Hidalgo Health Associates at:
800-448-4470