Depression:
a year-round concern
Recognizing, helping someone who is depressed

MAJ. ERIC CIPRIANO
WBAMC

Am I sad or depressed? Everyone feels down at times. The break-up of a relationship, family separation, a difficult job or financial problems can lead to low spirits. Sometimes sadness comes on for no apparent reason. Is there any difference between these shifting moods and what is called clinical depression? Anyone who has had an episode of clinical depression would probably answer "yes."

There is growing evidence that clinical depression is partly an illness with a biological basis and that it is more common in individuals whose close relatives have been affected. Psychological and social causes also play an important role. The loss of a loved one or a disappointment may trigger a depression, as may past losses, a lack of social support and the absence of avenues for fulfillment. The duration and depth of chronic sadness and isolation and the presence of characteristic symptoms help distinguish clinical depression from ordinary unhappiness.

If someone experiences most of the symptoms listed here for more than two weeks, there is a good chance they are suffering from clinical depression.

Signs of depression

* Inability to concentrate

* Inability to experience pleasure

* Decreased interest in work, fami ly, play

* Increase in self-critical thoughts

* Thoughts of death and/or suicide

* Increased isolation from others

* Missing deadlines/decreased per formance

* Feelings of excessive guilt, help lessness and/or hopelessness

* Difficulties falling or staying asleep or sleeping too much

* Feeling fatigued despite adequate sleep

* Decreased appetite and/or plea sure in food

* Changes in personality * Changes in sexual desire * Increased alcohol/drug use

Available treatment

There are a variety of mental health services available at Fort Bliss, William Beaumont Army Medical Center, through TRICARE and in El Paso.

In mild cases of depression, friends and family may provide all the support needed.

In severe cases, mental health professionals should be consulted.

Some moderate and most severe depressions respond to antidepressant medications. A medical professional prescribes these medications after a thorough evaluation. There is usually a positive effect within a few weeks.

Taking antidepressant medication does not preclude the need for other forms of treatment. Individual and/or group counseling and psychotherapy is an important treatment component.

Depressed individuals who are at high risk of suicide may require short-term hospitalization. While this is often seen as a drastic measure, it can be life saving, and it may allow effective treatment to begin.