|
In the month of October, there are several designated awareness times. One is “Mental Illness Awareness Week,” a second is “National Depression Screening Day,” and a third is “World Mental Health Day.” The whole month of October is also designated as “Domestic Violence Awareness Month.”
I chose to write about depression since it affects millions of people each year. Many adults in the United States are likely to experience depression at some point during their lifetime. It affects men and women of all ages, races, and economic levels. However, women are at a significantly greater risk than men to develop major depression with the greater differences found in studies in the United States and Europe. This increase, a differential risk, emerges during adolescence and may coincide with the onset of puberty. However in prepubertal children, boys and girls are equally affected. I also believe that cultural factors play a role in this differential numbers reported for women. Studies also suggest significant environmental, man made or natural, effects the risk of depression. Based on theses studies the present generation of Persian-Americans is at greater risk of experiencing depression as a result of war, immigration, social, and economic changes.
Depression is not a personal weakness, and when it develops can not be willed or wished away, but it can be successfully treated.
Depression is an illness that involves the body, mood, thoughts, and feelings. It affects one’s functions from eating and sleeping, to feeling and thinking about oneself, and the world around. A clinical depression is not the same as a few days down mood or unhappiness about something. The sad mood is part of our emotions which is appropriate and justified at times considering the particular life experience (e.g., loss of loved ones, illness in the family, etc.)
Symptoms of clinical depression:
loss of interest in activities that were once interesting or enjoyable, including sex;
loss of appetite with weight loss or overeating with weight gain;
sleep disturbance;
a persistently sad, anxious or empty mood;
feelings of hopelessness, guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness;
social withdrawal;
low energy level, trouble concentrating, remembering, or making decisions.
How to go about the treatment:
If you have some of the above symptoms persistently over more than two weeks, you may have depression. You need to check with a qualified mental health therapist. Depression is a biopsychosocial condition in which biology may or may not be one aspect of it. Other variables - culture, individual history, family dynamics, social network, life skills, and so on are critical to its development. Your therapist will assess your mental state as a whole, sort out all aspects of your situation, and plan for the treatment which may or may not include referral to a psychiatrist for medication consultation. Many people may not need medication or choose treatment without medication. Sometimes the thought of suicide might be present. If you have suicidal thoughts do not wait, inform your family and other people around you of your thoughts and immediately go to an emergency room.
There are medical conditions that may trigger or contribute to depression. Also there is use/abuse or withdrawal of drugs (legal, illegal drugs or even pre scri ption drugs) that might be a contributing factor in depression. In fact, it can be a relief when people realize that their depression might be a result of a medical condition and they no longer need to worry about thinking “what’s wrong with me”. Your therapist will help to look at all the information you bring to the therapy room. To help yourself you need to be open with your therapist, honest with yourself, and provide information accurately in response to your therapist’s enquiries.
Preventive steps:
There are steps toward better mental health that can act as a buffer and may effectively prevent the development of a major depression.
Make an effort to eat healthy, sleep well, and have regular physical activities.
Learn effective coping mechanisms to manage stress level. Any disturbance in your sleeping, eating, and stress level can trigger a depression episode.
Take charge of your emotions by learning strategies that can help you combat negative thinking.
Socialize with people with whom you have an enjoyable time.
Try to develop a positive outlook at life. Recognize and appreciate positives in your life.
References: Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fourth Edition, 2000
“Hand-Me-Down Blues’, Michal D. Yapko, 1999
Free information and assessment:
My office will be open every Monday evening from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. during the month of October offering free assessment of depression and information on family violence. I will write about family violence in the October issue. Here is the schedule:
October 5, October 12, October 19, and October 26: at 1151 Dove St. Suite 200, Newport Beach, 92660. You will get an anonymous mental health self-assessment, the results of your screening, and educational resources for you to take home. You will have information on family violence and there will be a short informative presentation.
Please do not hesitant to stop by at the address above and benefit of these free services in your community.
Dr. Khazrai is a licenses marriage & family therapist with more than 25 years of experience in individual, couple, and family psychotherapy, practicing in Newport Beach. To schedule an appointment or for more information, call (949) 709-1374 or email her at fkhazrai@cox.net
|
