LIFE
has many ups and downs.
And sometimes those downs can be
life-changing events that can, at the
very least, make us feel incredibly
sad or discouraged.
Many times those feelings, while
intense, may not last for very long. But
when sadness or despair is a constant
companion, it might be
more than a feeting case
of the blues—it might be
depression.
Clinical depression is a serious
illness that afects an estimated 17
million Americans each year, ac-
cording to the National Institute of
Mental Health (NIMH). It can linger
for weeks, months or even years if not
treated, and it can prevent a person
from living a normal life.
Symptoms of depression
Depression can happen to anyone,
and there may be many reasons for
it, including biological or emotional
factors.
Te tendency towards depression
seems to run in families. Any stress-
ful event, such as a natural disaster,
divorce, fnancial woes or the death
of a loved one, can trigger episodes
of depression.
Even the holidays, which are ofen
a joyful time for many people, can
be a source of depression for others
because of stress, fatigue or separa-
tion from family.
With depression, you might feel
sad, anxious or empty most of the
time and no longer enjoy things the
way you used to. Other signs may
include:
More
than just
the blues
DEPRESSION
To learn more about depression and the Center
for Behavioral Health, visit
www.hrhs.org
.
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feelings of hopelessness or
pessimism
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feelings of guilt, worthlessness or
helplessness
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loss of energy or feeling fatigued
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difculty concentrating, remem-
bering or making decisions
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sleeping too little or too much
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changes in appetite or weight
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feeling restless or irritable
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having thoughts of death or suicide.
Kids and depression
While many of us may think of
depression as an adult disorder,
kids can experience depression too.
Children can become depressed for
all the same reasons adults do, such
as death, divorce, natural disasters or
major fnancial problems.
Symptoms of depression in kids
are similar to those in adults. In ad-
dition, the NIMH says a child who is
depressed may:
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complain of headaches, stomach-
aches, muscle aches or tiredness
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perform poorly in school or be
frequently absent from school
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talk about running away from home
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cry for no apparent reason
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be extremely sensitive to rejection
or failure.
Children who are depressed can
be helped to overcome the disorder,
just like adults, with the use of medi-
cation and therapy.
Finding your way back
Many people don’t seek help
for depression. Tat’s unfortunate,
because the vast majority of people
who do seek help get better with
the right treatment, reports the
NIMH.
If you or someone you know is
experiencing depression, Halifax
Regional Health System’s Center
for Behavioral Health encourages
you to make an appointment for
a free assessment. Tomas Truitt,
MD, and his staf of licensed pro-
fessional counselors are available
to help in both South Boston and
Chase City.
You do not need a referral from
a physician. If you think you might
be experiencing depression, call
800-535-8332
to arrange for a free,
confdential assessment.
Seeing a doctor is key to properly
diagnosing and treating depres-
sion. When treated, most people get
better.
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