Clinical Depression

Major depression is probably the most common clinical condition that I try to help treat. The hallmark of depression is a loss of proportion between what you feel and what is happening in your life. Common ways you may describe clinical depression is ''that it takes so much to go right to feel even a little better, or so little to go wrong to feel much worse.'' Clinical depression is thus a loss of a sense of resiliency in the face of life's opportunities and challenges.

Common symptoms of clinical depression include loss of a sense of joy, loss of energy, pervasive sadness and often includes sleep disturbances, loss of the joy from eating or sexual activity, withdrawal from friends and family, and a sense of worthlessness or excessive guilt.

If you entertain thoughts that death could be a relief, then you should seek help as soon as possible.

Principles of treatment

Research demonstrates that most clinically depressed people should have treatment that includes classes or psychotherapy that helps to challenge and replace pessimistic, ''depressogenic,'' thoughts, feelings and behaviors with more optimistic ones. Our Health Education Department offers classes that help you learn and practice these skills with the support of expert instructors. Feel free to call the department at 571-4167 if you are interested.

Additionally, some individuals require specific treatments to deal with ongoing stressors, conflicts or past experiences that may interfere with best utilizing the skills taught in the classes.

In many cases, medical evaluation is necessary both to ensure that no underlying medical problem has caused clinical depression and to help those who may require medication to effectively treat the disorder.

Disclaimer
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