Getting help for clinical depression

A middle-aged father of three children had struggled through the past year with issues related to his marriage.

He vacillated between feeling the need to terminate the relationship and feelings of guilt and despair at the thought of leaving his wife and family. He felt numb, had considered taking his own life, was confused, suffered from wide mood swings and was chronically fatigued. He received conflicting advice from friends and family that left him further in doubt about his ability to make a decision he could live with.

When he finally sought professional advice, he was told he was suffering from clinical depression and that his decision-making skills were significantly impaired due to his psychological condition. He could relate to the idea that he was looking at the world through fogged glasses that impaired his ability to adequately consider his options. In short, he needed to be treated for clinical depression prior to making a decision about his marital status.

In a similar situation, a divorced mother of two young children was faced with decisions about her job. They pay and working conditions were good, however problems existed with co-workers and a supervisor. She had battled the situation for a year and felt overwhelmed with stress and indecision about whether to leave or stay and work things out. Appetite loss and sleep problems were affecting her health: The onset of chronic headaches prompted her to see her family physician.

Diagnosed with clinical depression, she was advised to delay a decision about her work. During the initial treatment for depression she related to the idea that she was like an individual trying to swim in peanut butter; movement in any direction was not only difficult but exhausting.

Symptoms of clinical depression include:

Chronic fatigue despite adequate rest.
Sleep difficulties including insomnia, the need for increased sleep, early morning awakening or problems remaining asleep.
Chronic sadness, crying spells and mood swings.
Diminished interest in sex.
Tension headaches, backaches or other aches and pains without a medical explanation.
Lack of enthusiasm or enjoyment in things that were formally of interest.
Impaired concentration, slowed thinking, inability make decisions and get things done.
Increased or decreased appetite.
Feelings of guilt, worthlessness and that life may not be worth living.

Prolonged stress, a family history of depression, some medical conditions and personality factors such as poor self-esteem, a background of abuse and neglect can contribute to depression.

Those struggling with major decisions while suffering from clinical depression should seek help in order to maximize the ability to make decisions that they can live with later in life.

Copyright c 1998 Harold H. LeCrone, Jr., Ph.D.