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Healthy HomeWhen You Can't Snap Out of It
by Diane H. Pitts, R.N., P.T. (Diane's bio)
IMPORTANT!: Please read our legal notice regarding this health column by clicking here.
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Nancy had no desire to get out of bed. She had been sleeping more, refusing to answer the phone, and avoiding people. Today she felt powerless to move, and everything plodded in slow motion. She vaguely heard a key fumbling in the front door, and voices interrupted her drowsiness.
“Nancy, let us help you. This has been going on for too long. Depression can be treated.”
Nancy, like almost 19 million other American adults, suffers from a depressive illness.
Depression is treatable, and many times the accompanying pain can be eased. A depressive disorder affects not only the individual but also family and friends.
What is a depressive disorder?
Nancy's friends had observed her slow retreat from interaction. She wasn't simply feeling “blue.” Something had affected her body, mood, and thoughts. A few friends and family members had suggested she “snap out of it.” But she could not.
A depressive disorder differs from transient feelings of sadness; an entire way of life is affected--eating, sleeping, and thinking. Symptoms can last from weeks to years; length of time may depend on appropriate intervention.
What are symptoms of a depressive disorder?
Judy, a friend of Nancy's, read a magazine article about depression and elbowed her husband Bob.
”Listen to these symptoms. I've been telling you Nancy was depressed.” This is what she read:
- Perpetual feelings of hopelessness, helplessness and negative outlook
- Chronic anxiety and sadness
- Chronic over-sleeping or insomnia
- Recurring physical symptoms that do not respond to treatment
- Inability to concentrate or make decisions
- Disinterest in normal activities or hobbies
- Changes in eating that lead to weight loss or gain.
- Loss of energy or feelings of “slow motion”
- Persistent thoughts or conversations about suicide or death
“She doesn't have all of these symptoms,” Judy admitted, “but I have seen this happen to every few years. This time, though, the symptoms are not going away and the episode has lasted longer.”
What causes a depressive disorder?
Judy and Bob sought the advice of a friend, a licensed psychologist. He explained that some types of depression are linked to genetic makeup and may run in families. Not everyone in that family will have the illness, but stresses can provoke attacks in those who are vulnerable.
The couple listened as the psychologist discussed illnesses that can be accompanied by a change in mental status—heart attack, cancer, stroke, or hormone dysfunction. Because of hormonal factors, women are twice as likely to have problems with depression as men. Men, however, are not immune to the disorder and can mask depression through using drugs, alcohol, or by working long hours.
What can be done?
The psychologist suggested they try to get Nancy to a physician for a good checkup. From there decisions could be made regarding proper intervention. Not everyone needs medication.
“There are no cookie-cutter solutions for depressive disorders, but help is available. Why don't you guys have a talk with Nancy? Sounds as though she needs some caring friends, and you're elected,” he concluded with a smile.
Conclusion:
Fortunately for Nancy, her friends convinced her to seek medical intervention. You may know someone affected by a depressive disorder. That someone could even be you. Ask for help.
For Your Soul Consideration:
This glance at depressive disorders only skims the surface of a problem that should not be discounted or ignored. The Great Physician concerns Himself with all our illnesses, regardless of origin. “…It is not those who are healthy who need a physician, but those who are sick.” Matthew 9:12
Copyright 2002, Diane H. Pitts. All Rights Reserved. Used by permission.
THE CONTENT OF THE "HEALTHY HOME" COLUMN IS PRESENTED IN SUMMARY FORM, IS GENERAL IN NATURE, AND IS PROVIDED FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY. THE CONTENT IS NOT INTENDED IN ANY WAY TO BE A SUBSTITUTE FOR FACE-TO-FACE, IN-PERSON, PROFESSIONAL, MEDICAL, PSYCHIATRIC, OR PHARMACEUTICAL HEALTH CARE ADVICE. ALWAYS SEEK THE ADVICE OF YOUR PHYSICIAN OR OTHER QUALIFIED HEALTH CARE PROVIDER WITH ANY QUESTIONS YOU MAY HAVE REGARDING A MEDICAL CONDITION, HEALTH DIAGNOSIS, OR TREATMENT. NEVER DISREGARD MEDICAL ADVICE OR DELAY IN SEEKING IT BECAUSE OF SOMETHING YOU HAVE READ IN THE "HEALTHY HOME" COLUMN. Please read our full legal notice.
| About Diane H. Pitts, R.N., P.T.: Diane Pitts has practiced in the fields of nursing and physical therapy for twenty-five years. She currently manages the education and escapades of three active boys in addition to pursuing an interest in writing. Healthy Home seeks to provide the reader with practical ways to maintain wholeness in body, mind, and soul. Contact her at healthyhomecol@earthlink.net. |
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