Depression is a Common and Treatable Disorder A Depression Self Test Do you feel downhearted and sad? Are activities that you used to enjoy no longer enjoyable? Do you have thoughts of ending your life? Do you feel that you are not useful or needed? Have you experienced an uncharacteristic weight loss or gain? Do you sleep more than usual or have insomnia? Do you feel restless and trouble relaxing? Are you having a hard time concentrating or thinking clearly? Do you feel tired most of the time, for no reason? Do you feel hopeless about the future? You may be suffering from serious depression if you answered "yes" to at least 5 questions, and you answered "yes' to at least one of questions 1 and 2, and these symptoms have persisted for at least two weeks. Regardless of your questionnaire results, you should seek immediate professional help if you answered "yes" to question 3.
In any given year, 9.5 percent of the population, or about 18.8 million American adults, suffer from depression. The economic cost for depression is high, over $43 billion annually, but the cost in human suffering cannot be estimated. Serious depression interferes with normal functioning and causes great pain to individuals and their families. But much of this suffering is unnecessary. While more than 80 percent of those who suffer from depression can be helped with appropriate treatment, only 33 percent actually seek treatment.
The first step to getting appropriate treatment is having a thorough physical examination by a physician. Certain medications and medical conditions can cause the same symptoms as depression. If those possibilities are ruled out, further evaluation by a mental health professional will provide the information needed to determine appropriate treatment options. Thanks to years of fruitful research, there are a wide variety of antidepressant medications and psychotherapies that are effective in the treatment of depression. In addition, there are numerous alternative approaches to mental health care, emphasizing the interrelationship between body, mind, and spirit. Many alternative approaches have a long history and some remain controversial. The federal government's Center for Mental Health Services recommends consulting with your health care providers about alternative treatments. Among others, they include: Self-help groups. Many people with mental health problems find these groups to be a vital tool for recovery and empowerment. These groups are comprised of and facilitated by people with similar needs; are operated on an informal, free-of-charge, and confidential basis, and provide support and education. Circle of Hope is Washington County's peer support group for individuals recovering from mental illness. For more information, contact me at the Washington County Mental Health & Addiction Recovery (MHAR) Board office, 374-6990. Herbal therapies. St. John's wort has been used extensively for mild to moderate depression in Europe and has recently aroused interest in the United States. Other herbal supplements used for depression include gingko biloba, ephedra, Echinacea, and ginseng. Because of potential adverse drug reactions, consult with your health care provider before using these herbs for depression. Diet and nutrition. Adjusting diet and nutrition has helped many individuals manage their symptoms and promote recovery. In addition to herbs, some holistic physicians use certain vitamins to treat anxiety and depression. Pastoral counseling. Some people prefer to seek help for mental health problems from their pastor, rabbi, or priest. Counselors working within traditional faith communities are increasingly recognizing the need to incorporate prayer and spirituality with psychotherapy and/or medication. Expressive therapies. Art, dance/movement, and music/sound therapies have helped many individuals reconcile inner conflicts, foster self-awareness, and promote personal growth. Culturally based healing arts. Traditional Oriental (such as acupuncture and shiatsu), Indian (such as Ayurveda and yoga) and Native American (such as the Sweat Lodge and Talking Circles) healing practices all incorporate the following beliefs: Wellness is a state of balance between the spiritual, physical, and mental/emotional "selves." An imbalance of forces within the body is the cause of illness, and Herbal and other natural remedies, combined with sound nutrition, exercise, and meditation/prayer, will correct this imbalance. A range of other alternative approaches - including relaxation and stress reduction techniques, hypnotherapy, and psychodrama - offer opportunities to improve mental wellness. Learn about your options; in addition to talking with your health care providers, libraries and book stores are valuable sources of information. Regardless of the treatment options chosen by you and your health care providers - traditional, alternative or a combination of both - it is most important to remember that depression can be helped.