DEPRESSION SCREENING

 

Have you ever said to yourself, “I need to pull myself together”? Or have we heard someone say, “They just need to get over it”? We wouldn't command ourselves to “pull ourselves together” or expect to “just get over it” if we had an untreated broken bone or were suffering from cancer.

 

But, we don't all realize that depression is a common condition affecting more than 19 million American adults each year, many of whom are elderly, or that it has many forms of successful treatment.

 

There are different types of depression. Depending on the symptoms, one can be diagnosed with a Seasonal Depressive Disorder, an Adjustment Depressive Disorder, or Clinical Depression. Seasonal Depressive Disorder can result from, among other issues, a lack of exposure to sun light. Adjustment Depressive Disorder affects people temporarily and can be brought on by changes in health, finances, or the death of a loved one. Most people can be treated with talk therapy, proper diet and exercise. Clinical Depression is a type of depression that is a medical condition. It is often associated with a chemical change in the brain in addition to socio-psychological changes.

 

The first step in treating depression is to identify it. Like screenings for other illnesses, depression screenings should be a routine part of healthcare.

 

National Depression Screening Day is held each October. It is designed to call attention to depression on a national level, educate the public about its symptoms and effective treatments, encourage conversations about depression, offer individuals the opportunity to be screened for depression, and connect those in need of treatment to the mental health care system.

 

Adults suffering from depression often experience some of these key symptoms:

·      A persistent sad, anxious or "empty" mood

·      Trouble falling or staying asleep, or sleeping too much

·      Reduced appetite and weight loss, or increased appetite and weight gain

·      Loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed

·      Restlessness or irritability

·      Difficulty concentrating or making decisions

·      Fatigue or loss of energy

·      Thoughts of hopelessness or of hurting yourself in some way

 

Screenings are not a professional diagnosis. They merely point out the presence or absence of depressive symptoms and suggest the possible need for further evaluation. You should see your doctor or a qualified mental health professional if you experience five or more of these symptoms for longer than two weeks or if the symptoms are severe enough to interfere with your daily routine.

 

To take an online depression screening you can explore these web sites:

 

Depending on the results of your online screening you may be advised to contact your family doctor or a qualified mental health professional for a conversation about the possibility of depression and its treatment.

 

“Six Myths About Depression” and “All About Depression and Our Later Years” are the titles of two CareNotes booklets that are available to the congregation on the table in the overflow area of the Sanctuary.