Who gets depression?

 

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Out of the darkness
Much has been written about depression, but do we really understand what people suffer?

William Styron, the renowned author of Sophie’s Choice, describes his own battle with depression in Darkness Visible:
“My few hours of sleep were usually terminated at three or four in the morning when I stared up into the yawning darkness, wondering and writhing at the devastation taking place in my mind, and awaiting the dawn, which usually permitted me a feverish, dreamless sleep.”

Depression is a mood disorder that affects every aspect of a person's life.
“The essential features of depression are a period of at least two weeks with a low mood and loss of interest in nearly all activities. It may be accompanied by changes to sleep patterns, appetite, feelings of worthlessness and possibly thoughts of suicide,” says Dr Lisa Engel, Health Psychologist at Cabrini Hospital Malvern.

John', aged 64, is a retired school principal, divorced and living alone. Twelve months ago he underwent a coronary angioplasty to clear two blocked arteries. After the procedure, medical and nursing staff were upbeat about his prognosis. But, despite the good news, John just didn't feel like popping the champagne cork.

“I felt at such a low ebb. Not only did I have type 2 diabetes I now had a new label, cardiac patient"! When I arrived home from hospital I fell in a bit of a heap; stopped seeing friends for lunch, lost interest in playing golf and neglected cooking meals.

“At one stage, it was a struggle to get up and dressed in the morning. It was on one of these mornings, when I felt like staying in bed all day, that I realised I was sick and tired of waiting for the light at the end of the tunnel to appear so I decided to switch it on myself. I went to see my GP and had a mental health treatment plan completed so I could receive a Medicare rebate to see a psychologist,” said John.

John had 12 sessions with his psychologist and they discussed behaviours that underpin good physical and mental health such as a nutritious diet and regular exercise; skills to manage negative thoughts; and strategies to tolerate distressing emotions. One aspect of therapy was to develop a daily meditation practice.

“I'd never meditated before and found it very difficult at first. However, I persisted and now I practice for 30 minutes six days a week. It has been an important part of my recovery because it has taught me to enjoy the present moment without having it contaminated by worries about my health. And meditation has helped me to have a wiser relationship with my thoughts and not necessarily believe everything my mind is telling me.

“Since finishing therapy I‟m back enjoying all the things I used to do before I experienced depression. Sure, I still have some bad days but now have the skills to stop myself from spiralling downward into a black hole. I've also met a wonderful woman and am enjoying spending time with her. On the whole I feel very optimistic about my future.”

“Depression can definitely be helped with treatment. Psychological therapy suited John, while others might benefit from anti-depressant medication. Everyone is different and responds differently to treatment. If you think you are experiencing depression talk to your General Practitioner to have an assessment and discuss your treatment options,”
said Dr Engel.

Dr Lisa Engel
Health Psychologist
Cabrini Hospital Malvern























 

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