Myths endure despite depression awareness

Depression awareness has become much more prominent during recent months as the media, community agencies and educational facilities all focus on this mental health issue. Unfortunately there are many myths surrounding this complex problem; so, let's look at a few of the prominent features of depression.

• Clinical depression is different from emotional let down due to fatigue, disappointment or sadness. Some of the key elements of clinical depression include sleep problems, physical problems without a medical explanation, crying spells (sometimes for no apparent reason), difficulties in memory and concentration, increased or decreased appetite, feelings of guilt or worthlessness, decreased interest in sex, and chronic fatigue despite adequate rest.

• Conditions known as smiling or masked depression often go unnoticed by family, friends or even the one suffering from depression. Denial often plays a major part in certain forms of depression.

• Prolonged depression often leads to physical illness as the body's ability to repair itself and fight infection becomes impaired.

• Depression is often responsible for instances of impaired judgment and decision making in relationships, business and financial reversals. As the depression lifts, individuals often look back at certain points in their life and wonder how they could have viewed things the way they did at the time.

• Depression is especially dangerous during adolescence and old age. The risk of suicide is higher during these times and should be taken into consideration if depression is present in these two age groups.

• Poor self-esteem, an unhappy childhood and adolescence, being in abusive relationships, alcohol and drug abuse all correlate with depression.

• Ineffective, unhealthy and unsuccessful movement through the grieving process, such as after loss through death, can lead to prolonged periods of depression even after the normal bereavement process should have been completed.

• Feelings of entrapment such as in a job or relationship can lead to attitudes and beliefs that helplessness and hopelessness exist, two conditions often felt by those suffering from depression.

• Depression is very treatable and should not be viewed as weakness or a character defect. Depression, in one form or another, is experienced by almost everyone at some point in their lives. Recognizing and admitting there may be a problem is the first step toward recovery. Both pharmaceutical and psychological forms of therapy are useful in treating depression. Often, the successfully treated depressed individual is able to learn from the whole experience and made stronger in the process.

Don't be ashamed or embarrassed to admit that you may be depressed and need help. Consult with a professional trained to diagnose and treat depression. The earlier the intervention, the better the prognosis for a speedy recovery.

Copyright c 1993 Harold H. LeCrone, Jr., Ph.D.