Did You Know
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• 1 in 10 U.S. adults report depression
Find out what's happening in Greenwichwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
• 11% of adolescents have a depressive disorder by age 18 according to the National Comorbidity Survey-Adolescent Supplement
• 80% of people experiencing depression are not currently receiving treatment
• The highest suicide rates in the U.S. are found in white men over age 85
• Depression is one of the most treatable illnesses, with 80-90% finding relief through treatment
Source: Centers for Disease Control
Depression can be the result of physical, genetic and psychological causes. Women are twice as likely as men to suffer the devastating effects of depression. Occasional blues or down times are a normal part of your life. Extended bouts of depression are debilitating and destructive.
Depression can be a symptom of Parkinson’s disease, stroke, arthritis, thyroid problems and cancer. It can also be a side effect of some prescription drugs. And it can be in response to a devastating life change such as the death of a loved one or a divorce.
Symptoms are not always clear or obvious.
Sampling of Warning Signs
• Loss of interest in home and work
• Crying
• Change in eating or sleeping habits
• Unexplained anxiety or irritability
• Poor self-image
• Inability to express feelings
• Loss of pleasure
• Indecisiveness
• Poor concentration or forgetfulness
• Social isolation
• Increased physical problems
• Feelings of guilt
• Suicidal thoughts
Types of Depression
Situational or Transitional Depression
Temporary sadness as a reaction to death, divorce or other major life change is normal and expected. Time and patience are necessary to get through these feelings. Spend time with friends or family who can be supportive of your emotional needs. Feelings of depression may go on for more than a few weeks or interfere with your home or work life. If this is the case, it might be time to seek some professional help. Ask your doctor for a checkup and a referral to an appropriate healthcare provider.
Moderate Depression
Moderately depressed people often feel that their lives are shaky at best. Many moderately depressed people describe their lives as being as unstable as a house of cards. They can hold a job, but feel unsatisfied. It’s also difficult for them to enjoy family and friends. If you’re feeling moderately depressed, explore self-help skills and seek professional help.
Severe Depression
Severely depressed people can’t enjoy the people around them and have lost the will to seek pleasure in life. Too often they have even lost the will to live. Depressed people see their lives as frustrating, their pasts as wasted and their futures as futile. They often view themselves as losers. The risk of suicide is high for severely depressed people. If you or a loved one experiences any of these feelings on a regular basis or have suicidal thoughts, seek professional help immediately.
Source: Parlay International
Depression & Substance Abuse
As a licensed mental health and substance abuse professional I have routinely worked with clients who have a mental health illness such as depression, in combination with a substance abuse problem, which we refer to as co-occuring.
A person who is experiencing depression may look to self-medicate by using alcohol, over the counter medication, or illegal drugs (street drugs or prescription drugs without a prescription).
Self-Medicating with Alcohol
Using alcohol in low doses may temporarily help a person with depression feel a bit better, but this is short lived. Since alcohol is a depressant, continued use of alcohol as a coping technique, may intensify the depression or in many cases may lead to alcohol abuse or dependency.
Self-Medicating with Drugs and Caffeine
Some people who are suffering from depression will consume a large amount of caffeine putting an added strain on their heart and other body organs. Others may try psycho-stimulants also known as uppers, in an effort to feel “normal”. Some common psycho-stimulants that are often abused include cocaine, amphetamines, and Ritalin to name a few. Unfortunately, cocaine can also lead to depression, and the misuse of other prescriptions can lead to an assortment of medical complications.
Treatment for Depression
If you suspect you suffer depression, having a medical check-up is your first step. Even depressions with emotional causes may call for treatment with medication, and that is a decision that must be made by a physician who, in turn, must know the state of your physical health.
If your depression has a physical cause, treating the underlying illness may be effective.
Depression resulting from chemical imbalance can also be treated medically. Especially among elderly persons, combinations of medications taken for various medical needs can produce symptoms of depression. A doctor will want to get a complete list of all medicines and dosages that you've been taking.
If your depression is traceable to an event or situation, professional counseling or therapy may be helpful. The doctor who does your physical check-up can refer you to such a counselor or therapist.
Our next article with go into more depth regarding the diagnosis and treatment of depression.
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Resources
Remember that help is just a phone call away!
CT Department of Mental Health and Addictions Services
410 Capitol Avenue
F.S. DuBois Center
(Operated by the State of CT)
780 Summer Street
Stamford, CT 06905
For general information: 203-388-1600
Crisis services: 203-358-8500
Connecticut Suicide Hotline
Serving Southwestern CT
Greater Bridgeport Community Mental Health Center
8am - 8pm
(203) 551-7507
The Caregiver Resource Center
The Caregiver Resource Center assists seniors, people with special needs and their families in planning for and implementing ways to allow for the greatest degree of independence, safety and quality of life.
We are available 7 days a week by appointment, and 24/7 for emergencies. All of our services are individually designed to meet the unique needs of the client and their family.
For more information, or to request an initial consultation, please contact:
Linda Ziac, LPC, LADC, BCPC, CEAP, CCM, CDP
Disclaimer
The information in this article is provided as an information resource only, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. This information is not intended to be patient education, does not create any patient provider relationship, and should not be used as a substitute for professional diagnosis and treatment.
Please consult your health care provider for an appointment, before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition.
To learn more about health and mental topics and to become a more educated self advocate, please subscribe to this blog or visit us at www.CaregiverResourceCenter.com
