Deep, dark depression

Eulalee Thompson, BE WELL

The world of clinical depression is a deep, dark hole from which affected individuals feel there is no escape. People with this kind of depression describe a world where they feel hopeless, helpless and hapless. They believe the future will be terrible.

They often make self-critical statements such as 'I am a failure' or 'I can't do anything right'. It is also a world of sadness, guilt, shame, anxiety and anger.

People who are depressed often complain of or exhibit low energy, a decrease in their capacity to enjoy activities they used to find pleasurable and difficulty completing common tasks or engaging in normal problem-solving activities. Appetite decreases, they don't sleep well and sometimes find it difficult to get out of bed and prefer to avoid people and social interaction. Well-thinking friends and relatives will urge the depressed person to 'snap out of this foolishness', but it is not that easy. They need professional support.

About one in five women, and one in 10 men, will experience an episode of depression over their lifetime. Depression has been linked to deficiency in the brain chemical, serotonin. Medications, antidepressants, help to adjust the serotonin level in depressed people.

Suicide ideation

Untreated depression can increase the risk of possible suicide. Although life circumstances can precipitate suicide ideation and suicide, the individual with a healthy brain chemistry is not likely to think of suicide as a way to cope with life's problems. Suicidal thoughts and behaviour can be symptoms of depression. It is, therefore, important not to pay attention to expressions of suicide and to treat depression. Take the attached depression screening test and check your risk.

Seek professional help

The good news is that effective treatment of depression is available before it becomes destructive. Medication and talk therapy (that is, counselling and psychotherapy) are the usual ways to manage depression. A medical doctor or psychiatrist will prescribe the appropriate antidepressants to assist the person who is depressed. For effective talk therapy seek out qualified mental health professio-nals (usually a professional with a minimum of a master's degree in counselling and/or therapy).

This professional is trained to carry out a detailed assessment, problem identification and develop a treatment plan for short- or long- term therapy.

During sessions, depressed individuals will be assisted to identify their negative patterns of thinking; to reframe negative thinking and be empowered to develop more effective coping strategies.

Eulalee Thompson is health editor and a professional counsellor; email: eulalee.thompson@gleanerjm.com.

Check for depression

Have you experienced any of the following symptoms nearly every day over the last two weeks?

1. Dejected, unhappy, depressed mood? Anger or irritability? Yes No

2. Lack of interest or enjoyment in everyday activities? Yes No

3. Poor concentration? Yes No

4. Lack of appetite/weight loss/overeating? Yes No

5. Sleeping too much or too little? Yes No

6. Restlessness or slowing down? Yes No

7. Excessive tiredness, lack of energy? Yes No

8. Excessive feeling of guilt? Yes No

9. Thoughts, hopelessness or ideas of death? Yes No

If you answer 'Yes' to five or more questions or 'Yes' to question nine, consult your health-care provider or call 977-1108.