Depression: Don’t take it lightly

There are so many reasons to get depressed. You don’t have to go far. Just open the pages of our major dailies and depression will set in sooner or later. Our economy has hit rock bottom, the poor are getting poorer, the politicians are still bickering over election fraud, oil prices are at their peak, the prices of basic commodities have never been this high, kidnapping is rampant, hold-ups are a national sport, the peso is so weak… etc., etc. There seems to be no relief in sight. But these reasons are external and we have no control over them. There is more to this word "depression" than meets the eye.  

What does depression really mean? A psychologist would define depression as a mental disorder that has many symptoms. The most common symptom is a sadness that makes the sufferer tired and disinterested in whatever happens around him or to him. Such a disorder can occur at any age, but it is most common between the ages of 24 and 55.

Current statistics show that one out of every four females and one out of 10 males suffer from depression at least once during their lives. It is more common in females than in males and it is also more common in urban areas than in rural areas. City folks are more prone to depression than the "promdis," probably because of the highly stressed lives that they live. Interesting to note is that depression is at a higher rate among divorced people than those who are married. Recognize these symptoms: 1) Those suffering from depression always feel sad and anxious and are not interested in any of their former hobbies; 2) They may lose or gain weight due to a change of appetite; 3) They may be sleepless or sleep too much; 4) They lose their temper easily; 5) They feel guilty about everything; 6) They find it difficult to think or make a decision; and 7) They always think of death or suicide. 

Consider the factors that cause depression so one does not judge a chronically depressed person harshly. There is the biochemistry element: the deficiency of serotonin and norepinephrine is considered a cause of anxiety, bad temper and fatigue. Check with your doctor so he can give you the necessary medication and prescribe the right diet for you.  

There is the hereditary element: if one of twins suffers from depression, the other will have a 70-percent risk of suffering from the same illness during their life if born from the same egg. If born from a different egg, there is a 10- to 20-percent chance. Studies show that half of the people suffering from depression had either a mother or father who also suffered from depression. If both parents suffer from depression, 50 to 70 percent of their children will also suffer from it.

There is the environmental element: those who constantly endure violence, abandonment abuse or poverty can also suffer from depression.  

Finally, the personal element: those who often underestimate themselves, or are often struck by disadvantageous circumstances, or are pessimistic, easily suffer from depression.  

Which brings to mind a sad story that I read a long time ago. There was a man who made it a point to bet a dollar on the lotto every week. He bet on the same numbers with the belief that one day his numbers would hit the jackpot. His wife knew the numbers by heart. Many years passed and the man was still faithfully betting on his chosen numbers. One day, his numbers made it and he won $58 million. His wife excitedly told him the good news. He could not believe that his numbers won after all these years. The bad news was, he did not buy a ticket that week. He went into a deep state of depression and killed himself.  

Illness is another cause of depression. No matter how positive one’s disposition is, being in a state of constant pain could be one cause of depression. And it could also depress close family friends and relatives. My brother Robert suffered from stomach cancer. During the last few months of his short life, he was in constant pain. I have a very supportive family and we believed that because of his youth, he would pull through his crisis. We believed that the good Lord would listen to our prayers. The fight was tough and it pulled the family down morally, especially when we heard him crying out in pain. It was a very depressing time for our family but we did not stop praying and hoping. Hope springs eternal and is a feeling that we should never lose. I have friends at this moment who have health problems, financial problems and emotional problems. I would advise them to hope and pray. 

Going back to the clinical study of depression, there are successful treatments when treated in the correct manner and in good time. Relatives and friends should encourage sufferers to visit a psychiatrist sooner than later. Data shows that one out of every five depressed people will commit suicide. Depression cannot be treated only with physical exercise, a change of diet or taking a rest. It should be treated with a combination of medical and psychological therapies. Though anti-depressant drugs are not sedatives or narcotics, they should be taken only as prescribed by doctors. They are effective after three to six weeks of continuous treatment. Medical treatment should be continued for at least another six months. Psychotherapy can be applied for light depression sufferers without anti-depressant drugs. But for severe cases, both should be applied.  

I always believe in the power of the spoken word. Often we are not careful in our choice of words and use the phrase "I am so depressed" for every little thing. "It’s raining, I am so depressed," or "I missed last night’s swinging party, I am so depressed." Don’t even joke about being depressed as it is a very serious matter. Delete it from your vocabulary and let us not take it lightly!