Depression

I presented a report on Depression yesterday.  While I was going through my research and materials, the whole thing was like a case study -- everything was all too familiar.

The symptoms are varied but the most common are those that show a marked delineation from the patient's normal routine.  The patient will go into extremes and abuse his or herself in the process.  For instance, he or she will eat either too much (then gain weight and get more dpressed) or too little (and be malnourished and get sicker).  He or she may also lose a lot of sleep (insomnia) or sleep too much.  He or she will lose interest in many things, even those that were his or her favorites.  On top of those, he or she will also withdraw from everybody and will only connect with someone if forced to.

If the depression gets worse, the patient will spiral into thoughts of death, seeing it as a quick relief from what's causing the depression. Sometimes, the patient may even attempt to commit suicide.

Familiar?  For your sake, I hope these symptoms do not sound familiar.  For those who do, here are some tips on what to do:

1. Reach out.  Sometimes, a short talk or a shoulder to cry on is all that's needed.
2. Be there.  This could be frustrating as the patient would want to be alone.  Some may even get angry at people who only want to help.  If you truly want to help, persevere.
3. If the patient won't talk, let his express in other ways -- drawing, dancing, singing, writing.  Physical activity has an added bonus:  endorphins -- those cute little things our body produces that makes us feel happy.  In sports, it's called an Athlete's Euphoria.
4. If there isn't a desire to express, give the person something he or she likes -- especially his or her favorites.  They may not be expressive in thanks but watch for that smile!
5. Let the patient know he or she is NOT ALONE.  The reason they become depressed may not be apparent but the patient usually sometimes believes he or she is alone in the problem.

Depression is real, yet it is not a sign of personal weakness.  If you see someone depressed do not dismiss him or her.  If you don't care enough to help, you can at least try not to do more damage.

Sigh...

=)K