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Depression is a disease, a very personal disease. The mental anguish of depression can be quite unimaginable to someone who has not experienced it. It is not just a state of mind that is out of control. And it is not just a matter of "feeling blue" or "sad and fed up". Doctors recognize depressive illness in a very precise, medical way. The term refers to a set of symptoms and a length of time during which these symptoms have been felt. Taken together, the symptoms and time frame point to a diagnosis of a specific, treatable illness.
We now know that depression is a debilitating illness with a physical cause, like diabetes, heart disease or arthritis. Most medical researchers now belive that depression is caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain. These chemicals, called neurotransmitters, carry signals from one nerve ending to another, like ferry boats transporting cars from one dock to another. The docks are called "receptors" and the two principal neurotransmitters and their receptors implicated in depression and know as norepinephrine and serotonin. Therefore, if your loved one is depressed, there is a medical explanation for their problem. By restoring chemical balance, and with "a strong arm to lean on", there is every reason for a depressed person to become well again.
SYMPTOMS TO LOOK FOR
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One of the most common signs in an adult is a very low depressed mood most of the day, nearly every day. The person often feels overwhelmed by the simplest task. There is often a very noticeable loss of interest in almost all activities that used to provide pleasure - work, leisure and personal pleasures including sex. Usually this shows itself by the person withdrawing inside his or her self. Depressed persons also tend to lose interest in their appearance and dress. Some depressed people will appear very lethargic while others may actually become very agitated. A noticeable change in weight, either up or down accompanied by a similar change in appetite, is another typical sign. So is sleep disturbance. All aspects of sleep may be disrupted, but typically depressed people wake up in the middle of the night and are unable to go back to sleep. Others may sleep practically all the time as if they are unable to face the world. Fatigue or a serious loss of energy are common. Another sign which you may notice, or your loved one may complain of, is lack of concentration or indecisiveness which is out-of-character. what ytou may not see is a depressed person's overriding feeling of worthlessness, guilt, and the oppressive feeling of "being at the end of one's rope". These feelings may not always be verbalized but may be noticeable through body language when you know the person well. And of course, a dangerous sign which may not be openly expressed, is dwelling on death or suicide even if there is no specific plan to carry out the thought. Suicidal thoughts can lead to suicidal behaviour and death!. Any suspicion of suicidal thouhgt or action must be taken very seriously.
WHAT FRIENDS OR FAMILY CAN DO TO HELP
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Be supportive. Don't jump to conclusions. Be a steadying influence. If your loved one is seeing a doctor, and it is important that they should, the doctor may well decide to use and antidepressant drug to help restore chemical balance in the brain. However, a depressed person cannot will themselves better and antidepressant's don't work overnight. It usually takes several weeks or months before there's any noticeable change in behavior. It is important that you support your family member or friend during this difficult time. Remember, this depressive episode may have been building for months or have been covered up by them for years. It is very important to be a good listener. Remember, you don't have the answers. If they want to talk about their feelings, let them talk without interrupting. It is also important not to criticize because this can make a depressed person feel more guilty and worthless. Criticism is counterproductive and can increase a sence of failure. Nor should you try to take over for the person or baby them. Keep your cool and an even temper. You need to be patient because they probably can't be. More likely they will be irritable or just clam up. And remember, their depression is not your fault. there is no reason why you should feel responsible. Sympathetic - yes! Guilty - no! Be there. Be strong. Be someone to lean on. However, don't take this entirely by yourself. share the responsibility.
