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Giving Up the Silence: Series on Depression and Mental Illness
Being Frank About Depression
By Perla Daly
At least one woman in four will struggle with depression during her lifetime. That means you or someone you know in your family, school, at work, church or your neighborhood will struggle with the loss of energy, bad appetite, poor concentration and sleep, feelings of hopelessness and anxiety and sometimes thoughts and attempts of suicide, debilitating traits of this condition.
To this day, many Filipinos might believe that people suffering breakdowns or depression are people possessed by spirits or just plain crazy. In fact these crazy people really are not crazy, they are really experiencing depression, a chemical imbalance in the brain, brought on by genetics or external causes such as a tremendous loss or disappointment, abuse, prolonged illness and maybe even some prescription medicines. Even as the causes of depression are so varied, so too are the ways to treat it. People will find healing and hope through one form or another such as counseling, support groups, prayer, anti-depressants, and/or changes in diet, sleep and exercise.
With depression there still is a stigma attached to those who suffer it or to the family of these people. Many times this stigma keeps many people from seeking assistance or getting the right kind of assistance. Today, as more and more women come forward to share and discuss their battles with depression, others will be encouraged to end their own silence and suffering and come forward to seek the help the so desperately need.
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Differences Between the Blues and Depression
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Causes for the Blues
- Anemia
- Premenstrual Syndrome(PMS)
- Low Blood Sugar
- depression caused by lack of sunlight when days are shorter (Seasonal Affective Disorder or SAD)
- Drastic Events such as a loss or death
Symptoms of depression:
- extreme increase or decrease of appetite
- sleeping too little or in excess
- frequent crying for no real reason
- loss of interest in things that you are usually excited about
- symptoms last for more than 14 days
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Finding a Help
Get some basic support first---talk to a friend, family member, guidance counselor or minister. Tell them that you feel depressed. If they agree that your bouts with the blues are more than just that, then ask them to help you look for a referral. The best way to start would be to ask someone else that you know if they can refer a counselor. If you can't find a a professional counselor this way, then ask your doctor to refer you to a 2 or 3 therapists. Look for a psychologist, family therapist or social worker who is a licensed counselor.
Try one or two counselors. Find a counselor who you are comfortable with. Maybe they practice the same religion, maybe they are the same gender as you or cultural background. Look for the counselor who really seems to listen to you, makes you feel valued and comfortable. If someone doesn't feel right than try another . You want to work with someone that feels right.
Practical Matters. Is there a therapist's office easy to get to and see? Can you or your family afford it ? Or does your insurance cover counseling?
If you are blue try these blue busters:
- talking to a friend
- eating healthier
- exercising
- buying a little present for yourself
- taking multiple vitamins with iron
- light therapy lamps (for locations with reduced hours of sunlight)
- try prayer and/or meditation
- talk with your church minister
- go to a support group
- try over-the-counter medication or herbs (St. John's Wort, Herbal Teas such as Traditional Medicinals for PMS; see your local health food store for help and check with your Doctor)
- take Prescription medication (see yourDoctor)
- see a licensed counselor
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Giving Up the Silence: Series on Depression and Mental Illness
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