Depression: Illness or Weakness?
Just for a moment, imagine yourself at a local shopping center. A friend of yours walks up to you and has a stressed look on his face. He is sweating even though the temperature in the shopping center is quite cool. You ask him if he is ok. He states “I don’t think so. My chest is tight and hurts; I have a weird pain in my left arm, and I am having trouble catching my breath.” Hopefully, you recognize these as the primary symptoms associated with a heart attack, and would quickly call 911.
According to the Center for Disease Control, an estimated one in ten adults suffers from some form of depression. This type of depression is not just a “down” mood. It is an illness that has symptoms just like a heart attack has symptoms. Depression can also be fatal, if it continues without treatment. Some people do not see depression as an illness. In fact, some people assert that seeking counseling or taking medications to treat a real depressive disorder is unnecessary, evidence of a lack of personal stamina, or evidence of a lack of faith. The healthiest approach to a depressive disorder involves a balance of belief in one’s-self, counseling that affirms one’s values, and medical intervention when necessary.
First, recognize that an individual’s depressed mood may or may not be connected to a difficult experience. Certainly, when an individual has a loss or unexpected negative experience, it is healthy for that person to experience and express emotions associated with that loss or experience. In that situation, the first course of action might be to talk with a trusted friend, a close family member, or a pastor. Even if there is not an easily identifiable loss or experience that one can connect with the “down” mood, talking to one of these persons is still a positive first step. Depression, like heart disease, cancer, and other illnesses, tends to run in families.
If those conversations do not create significant relief, it is important to clearly look at a list of symptoms and determine if medical attention is the best course of action. Here is a list of the primary symptoms for a depressive illness:
Depressed mood nearly every day for 2 weeks or more;
Diminished interest in most activities that were previously enjoyed. (note: not a change in interests);
Weight loss or weight gain that represents more than 5% of body weight without dieting or attempting to gain weight for a healthy purpose;
Sleeping very little or sleeping more than 10 hours per day nearly every day;
Observations by others that the impacted person is physically moving slow or shaking;
Fatigue or loss of energy nearly every day;
Feeling worthless or feeling excessive guilt without clear causal connection;
Diminished ability to concentrate or make decisions nearly every day; and
Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide.
Five or more of these symptoms indicates that the depressed mood may have become an illness. The reasons why are beyond the scope of this short article. The important factor is to know when to ask for help. The first step is to be evaluated by a licensed mental health professional. Many people are afraid to ask for help because they don’t know what to expect from the mental health professional. It can be scary to think about someone you do not know who has the ability to “pick your brain” exploring your inner thoughts. However, it is much easier than you think.
Therapists generally set up their offices like a nice living room. For example, in my own office I have a couch, two recliners, a small bookshelf, a nice TV on a TV stand, and comforting pictures on the wall. Remember that real therapy is often not correctly portrayed in the media. The only person who ever lays on the couch in my office is me, and that is when I need to take a short nap!
If you go into a therapist’s office for the first time, the first goal of the therapist will be to “join” with you. This just means that the therapist will get to know you as a person. The therapist will want to know your strengths, your passions, and your values. The therapist will then ask you a lot of questions to gather information about your struggle and the intensity of that struggle based on your symptoms. Once the therapist has developed an understanding of your situation, she or he will develop a treatment plan, and your input is very important. All in all, the first appointment is really just a conversation.
If you are struggling with depression, or you know someone that is, please consider reaching out to Olive Tree Family Counseling, or another licensed mental health professional of your choice. Depression is an illness. It is not a weakness, and it can be as serious as a heart attack.