October 8, 2020, is National Depression Screening Day and it’s a great day to do a depression check-up.

My first episode of depression occurred in my sophomore year of college. I didn’t know it was depression, but I knew something was terribly wrong. I could barely get up to attend classes and nothing in life was interesting or pleasurable. Many weeks went by before I sought help at the school clinic, but it took weeks until I felt myself again. This episode was followed by many more throughout my life and each time I learn more about the disease of depression and the role it has in my life. 

Because of my experience and the terrible pain depression creates, I take every opportunity to teach others about this disease so that they can see it as soon as possible, seek help, and take charge before depression takes control. 

Depression is a sneaky, physical disease that will affect one in five people sometime in their lifetime. It can come on slowly and because the symptoms are not just physical, but are also mental, emotional, social, and spiritual, it often goes unrecognized and untreated. Symptoms include:

• little interest or pleasure in doing things

• feeling down, depressed, or hopeless

• change of sleep and appetite

• feeling tired or having little energy

• trouble concentrating on things

• moving slowly or being fidgety               

• thoughts of being dead or hurting oneself.

There isn’t a blood test for depression, rather the diagnosis is dependent on the identification of the above symptoms lasting for two weeks or longer. Additional symptoms can include agitation, self-medication with alcohol or drugs, and angry outbursts. Personally, I also have symptoms of debilitating perfectionism, ruthless self-talk, and the belief I have been deserted by God. 

Depression can occur at any age. We see it more now in children and teenagers. Depression is the single most significant risk factor for suicide in the elderly population. Older Caucasian males have the highest rate of suicide in the United States. No one is exempt.

Depression myths prolong suffering and delay treatment. Myths and stereotypes about depression still abound in all age groups. It can feel embarrassing or shameful to admit having depression because others may judge you as weak, sick, or crazy. And if they do, it’s because they haven’t experienced anything close to depression. Once you know it, all judgment disappears. And the idea that one wouldn’t seek help for a disease becomes totally irrational. 

No one needs to suffer from this depression. Treatment is available and effective. Once diagnosed, 80 percent of clinically depressed individuals can be effectively treated with medication, counseling, or both. I’ve been on an anti-depressant for many years which works well for me. I work hard to do self-care but I’m always on the alert for symptoms that can creep up because once you have an episode the chances of others increase significantly.

Don’t ignore changes in behavior. Friends and family members are usually the first to see behavioral changes of depression in a loved one. Don’t ignore these changes. Speak up with kindness and concern. Support them in getting the help they need to recover and feel better.

Do a check-up now! If you or someone you love are experiencing symptoms of depression, call for help. You’re not alone. Others have gone through what you’re going through and can help you. If I can be of help, contact me at terria.flint@gmail.com.

To learn more about depression:
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/depression/index.shtml
https://www.nami.org/Videos/Tell-Me-About-Depression