As the end of the year draws near, not only the temperature starts to drop, people’s moods can begin to come increasingly unstable. Some causes are loneliness, sadness, stress, and a whole array of other factors. An article in a recent Parade magazine asks, “Could Your Symptoms Be Depression?”
Dr. Ranit Mishori writes that less than two-thirds of those who suffer from depression seek treatment. That is unfortunate. Often, the reason people don’t get treatment is because they feel it either shows weakness, is embarrassing, or isn’t needed.
Weakness vs. Strength
As someone who has been treated for depression and anxiety on more than one occasion, I believe that getting help is instead indicative of knowing yourself and having the strength to take care of the problem, or at least try. After all, you are the only you you’ve got. Some feel they can handle it, and will “get over it.” That isn’t always the case, some sadness and periodic struggling in the wake of life happenings is to be expected, but when symptoms have lingered for a time, you’ve got to say to yourself, “this isn’t right, I’ve got to talk with someone about this.”
Symptoms of Depression
• Overall feeling of sadness, or foreboding
• Tiredness,
• Irritability,
• Loss of appetite,
• Aches and pain,
• Insomnia,
• Increased alcohol or drug (also OTC) use
• Loss of focus,
• Emotional numbness
• Worthlessness
The Bad News
This time of year especially, and with job losses still on the rise, depression cases are expected to increase. Many people have problems with the holidays for a number of reasons, and the loss of a loved one, for instance, or a job loss only compounds the problem. A recent article featured on Empower.com stated that unemployed people are four-times more likely to experience symptoms of depression. Furthermore, people who are asked to accept changes in their current work situation (decrease in pay or increase in duties without pay), are also susceptible to symptoms of depression.
The Good News
There are many forms of treatment, including psychotherapy, group talk therapy, prescription medication, and medical procedures (such as electroconvulsive therapy, or vagus nerve stimulation). Medical procedures typically are reserved for extreme cases of depression where medication or therapy has proven ineffective.
However, sometimes all that is needed is some counseling and four to six months of prescription medication to get over a bout of depression. Many health insurance programs now also cover (even if in a limited capacity) mental health support as part of the overall medical coverage.
Before Seasonal Affectiveness Disorder (SAD) takes a grasp on you, or some other life scenario causes you to go into a Depression tailspin, proactively work on improving your health with exercise, eating well, watching your finances, and limiting caffeine and alcohol use. An ounce of prevention is never a bad idea.
Resources:
“Could Your Symptoms Be Depression?” by Dr. Ranit Mishori, Parade Magazine, Sept. 30, 2009
Christine Jeffries is a writer/editor for work and at heart, and lives in a home of testosterone with her husband and two sons. She started a women’s group, The Wo-Hoo! Society, in the interests of friendship, networking, and philanthropy. The group meets separately on a monthly basis in the Phoenix and Kansas City areas. Christine is interested in women’s health and promoting strong women.