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RETIREMENT & LIFESTYLE PLANNING | |
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| ISSUE - 17 - APRIL 2003 | |
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In a recent report from the World Health Organisation depression was rated as the fourth most significant cause of suffering and disability world-wide (behind heart disease, cancer and traffic accidents). The same organisation predicts that by the year 2020 depression will be the second most debilitating disease behind cancer.
Depression is a major public health issue in Australia. It is the most common of the mental health disorders and though figures vary slightly, it is generally accepted that several million people in Australia have, at some stage in their lives, experienced a depressive episode.
Unfortunately many people suffering from depression do not seek help and struggle on feeling absolutely terrible. Some recent research suggests that only one in ten people with psychological problems seek professional assistance. This reluctance can be partly attributed to lack of knowledge, misinformation and the stigma still attached to having a “mental disorder.” While people talk openly about the most intimate details of their physical health, they are reluctant to talk about their mental health. Many people still feel embarrassed or afraid to admit to having depression and this attitude only makes the illness harder to deal with. Regrettably, depression is still perceived by many as a personal inadequacy rather than an illness.
It is important to understand that mood alterations are part of being alive – it is absolutely normal to experience mood fluctuations and changes. If we are realistic we must accept that life presents degrees of struggle on a daily basis. We have to live, work, love and interact in a complex world that in some aspects seems to be becoming more difficult. To remain positive requires some effort and there are times when it is quite normal to have ‘low’ or negative feelings.
It is also normal to be deeply unhappy and depressed when experiencing a major loss or crisis.
Clinical depression is not the same as “feeling unhappy or very sad,” but is an illness that is outside the control of the afflicted person.
Depression has the ability to change our sense of who we are and what we are. It is disastrous for a person to lose a sense of self and self worth as a result of depressive disorders. Depression has the power to transform a rational, happy and balanced life into a living hell.
What is depression?
Depression is a form of mental illness characterised by longer than normal and excessive disturbances of mood. These mood disturbances are frequently accompanied by a range of other symptoms, which impact directly on a person’s life and his or her ability to cope with life events. For some people, there are triggers for depression, such as grief at the loss of a loved one, or being made redundant. Even the changing seasons can play a part.
Major advances in understanding and treating depression have been made in the last decade. There are, however, differences of opinion regarding the underlying causes of depression, the types of depression and the treatment of depression amongst those most qualified to help. The differing opinions and views amongst individual psychiatrists, psychologists, medical specialists and general practitioners can be most confusing for those seeking help. It is important to find the professional that suits you best.
Depression is different for each sufferer and what is the right treatment for one person may be totally inappropriate for another.
What is generally accepted is that there are different types of depression as there are different types of cancer and they all require different and varied approaches in treatment. Once the type and severity of depression has been diagnosed, the cause and treatment can be addressed and the patient has a better chance of controlling or recovering from his or her illness. The sooner a person undergoes treatment after the initial diagnosis the greater likelihood of a quicker recovery.
Treatments for depression can be pharmaceutical, psychological or a combination of both.
Depression can occur at any stage of life. The average age at which people are likely to have their first episode of depression is around the age of 40, but depression can afflict the very young and the very old. More women than men experience depression during their life. It is an erratic illness, with some people having only one depressive episode during their lifetime, others suffering recurrent episodes and others having ongoing chronic symptoms.
Depression is relatively common among older people in Australia. It is estimated that 3% of men and 9% of woman aged over 55 years experience some form of depressive disorder. A particularly troubling statistic indicates that up to 20% of older Australians living in residential care are suffering from depression Symptoms of depression can include: decreased energy and fatigue, feelings of worthlessness and hopelessness, sudden weight gain or weight loss, disturbed sleeping patterns, problems with memory and concentration, a loss of interest in pleasurable and social activities including sex and recurrent thoughts about death or suicide. Physical symptoms such as headaches, digestive problems and unexplainable pains can also be the result of depression, and people suffering severe or chronic physical illnesses can become depressed as a result of their poor health.
It is vital for those suffering from depression to understand that they have a treatable illness.
With the right treatment or combination of treatments 80% of people with serious depression can expect improvement in their condition. Many will enjoy total recovery. That message should be reinforced for sufferers and their family and friends, and for the community at large.
The black dog can be cowed.
Treatments
The first step to recovery is to recognise that you have depression. If you have been feeling blue, unmotivated and fatigued for over a year, then the chances are that you have depression or another illness.
Drug treatments have improved dramatically in the last decade and now include a range of selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs). People can tolerate these far more easily than the older drugs.
Psychotheraphy involves a psychiatrist or psychologist helping the depressed person understand how his or her thoughts and feeling impact on behaviour. Individual practitioners use different techniques drawn from the various forms of psychotherapy. For many people psychotherapy is sufficient treatment and they do not need antidepressants.
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a comparatively new technique sometimes used as an alternative to ECT. Unlike ECT it requires no general anaesthetic.
“Depression is a monster – everything in your life takes on a false reality. Your mind is blurred to what is real. I knew I was not thinking rationally but I could do nothing to stop my distorted thoughts and feelings. All I wanted to do was sleep so I could be oblivious to my life.”
Jenny, 56 year old lawyer.“Having been through two bouts of severe depression I want to say how desperately important it is to share your pain with family or friends.
I could not have survived the bad times without the support of friends. Two of my closest friends took it upon themselves to learn as much as they could about depression and even when I was at my worst they kept assuring me that my chances of recovery were high. They were right. I have recovered and have control of my life again.”
Geoffrey, 47 year old taxi driver.Some depression web sites:
www.beyondblue.org.au
www.depressioNet.com.au
www.health.gov.au/hsdd/mentalhe/index.htm
www.sane.org
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Your Life, Your Retirement. PO Box 1150N Armadale North Victoria 3143 Australia
Phone: 613 9824 6901 - Fax: 613 9824 6362
Email: publisher@yourlifechoices.com.auIS PUBLISHED BY
Copyright Retirement Publishing Pty Ltd 2001 -- ISSN 1031-6620 ACN 088 049 218
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