COPE: Visitors Page

Depression

Do you have trouble concentrating at the office? Are you feeling chronically sad or overwhelmed? Well, you are not alone. You may be one of the more than 10 million Americans suffering from depression. The good news is that depression, once diagnosed, is a medically treatable illness. In fact, 80% of those diagnosed with depression receive significant relief.

Depression is a whole-body illness, which means it effects your emotions as well as your physical health and cognitive performance. Like alcoholism and diabetes, depression is a medical disorder that can be treated medically. The onset of a depressive mood can be triggered by almost anything from a physical injury to the loss of a loved one. The predisposition for a person to suffer from depression is sometimes caused by heredity, and in other cases it stems from your own psychological makeup. What is consistent in all cases of depression is an imbalance of neurochemicals (chemicals in the nervous system), which causes a malfunction in the brain.

How do you know if you are suffering from depression? There are several types of depression, but they can all be divided into two major categories: depression and manic depression. You may be experiencing a state of depression if you have five or more of the following symptoms:

Depressed mood
Change in appetite
Significant weight loss or gain
Too much or too little sleep
Fatigue or loss of energy
Poor concentration
Increased work absenteeism
Persistent anxious or sad mood
Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
Lack of self-esteem
Thoughts of suicide.

Manic-depression, which is also known as bipolar disorder, combines the symptoms of depression listed above with cycles of elation. You may notice some of the following symptoms during a manic phase:

Inflated self-esteem
Decreased need for sleep
Wandering attention
Scattered thoughts
Poor judgment
Spending sprees.

If you believe that you may be suffering from a depressive disorder, see a doctor who knows about depression. Ask your EAP or your health plan for a referral. A physical check up will rule out other causes. Effective treatments include a combination of antidepressant medications, and psychotherapy or talk therapy. Improvement rates will vary as much as the people who suffer from depression. Please be patient and stay on your treatment long enough to realize the benefits from it.

There are also some things you can do:

Take responsibility for your illness, get help if you need it
Exercise to help you relax
Take a break and enjoy a pleasant activity like a movie or a sporting event
Become involved with people; call a friend or volunteer for an organization that is important to you
Avoid stress or major life changes, if possible.

Most importantly, keep in mind that you are not to blame. This is a medical condition and not a weakness on your part. Depression can be managed. Call your doctor or your EAP for more information.

We recommend a related CopeLine: SEASONAL AFFECTIVE DISORDER. DARK MOODS & BRIGHT SOLUTIONS.

Briefly, Seasonal Affective Disorder, known as SAD, is a change in mood and behavior due to seasonal changes. Treatment usually relies upon increased amounts of light. Ask the EAP Coordinator or Human Resources Manager in your organization for a copy, or contact your COPE counselor.

RESOURCES

Depression Awareness, Recognition, Treatment (D/ART) Program
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
1(800) 421-4211

The Depression & Related Affective Disorders Association (DRADA)
(410) 955-4647

National Mental Health Association (NMHA): 1(800) 969-NMHA (6642)