Q. I think I could be depressed, but I’m uncertain. My husband tells me I just need to “quit thinking I’m crazy”. How do I know if I’m really depressed and if I should seek help?
A. Most people feel sad, blue, or just down at various times in their lives. This is natural and normal. No one can feel happy and successful every minute, and we should accept that feeling bad occasionally is a part of life, but if your feelings of sadness, anger, or frustration interfere with your personal or professional life for weeks or longer, you may need to seek help. People who are depressed are not crazy. In fact, half of the population will report depression at some time in their lives. If you are clinically depressed, you may notice some of these symptoms:
• Agitation, restlessness, and irritability
• Becoming withdrawn or isolating from others
• Difficulty paying attention and/or making decisions
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
• Changes in appetite, either eating much more or much less
• Feeling tired even after plenty of rest
• Feelings of hopelessness and loss of interest in activities
• Feelings of worthlessness, guilt, or self-hatred
• Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much
• Thoughts of death and/or suicide
If you have experienced several of these symptoms over the past few weeks or months, the first place to look for help is through your health care provider. Have a frank discussion with your doctor about your feelings and symptoms. In fact, take the above list to the physician’s office with you. Since your husband has little understanding of depression, you may wish to include him in the appointment. If you are just experiencing the “blues” for short periods, know that you are human and this too will pass.
• • •
Q. My father is always complaining about his depression and he rarely leaves home. What causes depression?
A. No one knows the exact cause of depression. There are several theories ranging from a chemical imbalance in the brain to a genetic predisposition. Depression runs in some families, but many people become depressed with no family history, and others never experience depression despite an extensive family history. Stressful life events often begin episodes of depression. These can include the break up of a relationship, failing a class, losing a job, getting into debt, divorce, illness, death of a close friend or family member, or feeling you have no friends. Other contributing factors to depression are alcohol or drug use, certain medical conditions such as treatment for cancer or long-term pain, and some medications. Since medications can be involved, you should question your pharmacist if you are beginning a new drug and notice a change in mood or behavior.
• • •
Q. My mother has always been cheerful and happy. After she had her 85th birthday last year, she suddenly seemed to lose interest in everything. Her doctor says that there is nothing physically wrong with her to explain her new problem. Could she be depressed even though she denies ever feeling any depression?
A. Research shows that depression peaks at three times in one’s life: adolescence, early adulthood, and old age. Your mother may be feeling socially isolated for the first time in her life. As people age they watch their friends die or move away; they often have more problems with mobility; they are often aware that they no longer have the physical and mental capacities that they had in their younger years; and they often feel they are a burden to their families. You may wish to discuss your concerns with your mother’s doctor. There are many medications now that can help depression in the elderly. You can help by trying to keep your mother active in family, church, community activities, or anything else she enjoys doing.
• • •
If you have questions pertaining to mental health, please send the questions to drnryburn@gmail.com. The questions will not be answered personally by e-mail, but could appear in a future column. There will be no identifying information listed with the questions and all e-mails remain confidential.