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Did the title of this column make you
think I'd be talking to you about alcohol or tobacco? No, I'm
talking about depression; a health problem that's as bad as any
demon we've ever experienced. I've copied some data that you
see below. This doesn't cover the entire problem, but it will
give you some signals to watch for.
Depression is not the same as having the occasional
"blues" or feeling sad every once in a while--and then
bouncing back to your old self. Depression can be mild, moderate
or so bad it affects every part of your life -- your body, your
feelings, your thoughts and your behaviors. It can have an impact
on your family relationships, your friendships and your ability
to work, play or just get through your day. At its worst, depression
can even make you feel like you don't want to live. These thoughts
and feelings are not your fault--they can be part of depression.
When the sadness persists or keeps returning, when everyday things
like sleeping, working, spending time with your family and simply
enjoying life continue to be difficult, it is not "just
the blues." You could be dealing with major depression.
Some of the signs of depression include: A sad or empty mood
lasting for two weeks or more and/or loss of interest or pleasure
in most activities you once enjoyed, along with several or all
of these additional symptoms:
1. Feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness, guilt
2. Difficulty concentrating, making decisions
3. Changes in sleep habits (such as insomnia or oversleeping)
4. Significant change in weight or appetite
5. Fatigue, loss of energy, feeling "slowed down"
6. Agitation
7. Frequent thoughts of death or suicide, or suicide attempts.
Do any of them look, or feel, familiar? Many of us
have gone through a period of depression. We can expect it more
at our so-called retirement age than when we were much younger.
Think about it. Probably we've lost a mate, a child, a companion
animal, a job, money. We've been through marital breakups, or
we certainly should have been. Face it, sometimes life's a bitch.
Depression isn't a weakness of character, nor should it be a
stigma. I don't care if you're living alone or in a full house,
the depression devil can plague us.
Fear not, there's hope and help. Talk to your doctor. If you're
told, "It's to be expected at your age. Learn to live with
it," get out quickly and find a new doctor. The last thing
you need is someone in denial that's going to charge you for
it.
Now, your doctor has diagnosed the problem as depression. Or,
lab tests have found something causing depression. Either way,
now you have answers and will get help. If it is depression and
you're told to, "Take such-and-such for three weeks and
come back and see me," ask for enough free samples to cover
that time. Why should you pay a small fortune for a pill that
may not be right for you?
There are quite a variety of antidepressants. Not one pill cures
us all. Most likely the first few times you take this new pill,
you'll get sleepy in a hurry. Heaven knows you need the sleep,
so take the pill at night in time to get at least eight hours
rest. If the prescribed pill doesn't work in three or four weeks,
it never will. See your doctor for a new one--free samples, of
course, if possible. Let's say you've taken the pill a week,
and you feel worse or weird. Blame the pill, stop taking it.
See your doctor in a hurry and get something else.
Don't refuse to see a qualified
counselor or psychologist while taking antidepressants. Nobody
needs to know you're doing it. They won't automatically blame
your mother for all your problems. You can tell them anything,
anything at all. It's confidential. There's no shame in pills
or counseling. But, it would be a shame if you passed up the
chance to get the help you need.
The side effects of an antidepressant could be weight loss, but
that's not a guarantee. You may lose the nagging need to eat,
eat, eat. Don't give up eating, just give up eating too much.
Enjoy reading the smaller numbers on the scale.
Perhaps an explanation about why I've done my homework on this
subject would help you choose to take action for yourself. Previously
I've told you that my husband, Rupert, is a cancer patient.
His medication regimen has made me his caregiver, full time chauffeur
and part time translator/liaison to doctors and the general public.
I'm Wonder Woman's training officer and he's Superman. So what
if I'm experiencing stress? I'll catch up on my sleep when I
have time. Stop asking me how I'm doing. Of course I'm taking
care of myself. Oh, well, I'll get my hair done next week when
I'm not so tired. Oh, Lord, just get me through this and I'll
try and fit a nice nervous breakdown into my schedule, I promise.
Right now I don't have time. Yes, doctor, I agree. He should
take an antidepressant, but you heard him. He says he's coping.
Tell you what, either give them to him, or give them to me.
If he takes them I won't need any.
And that's how I came to recognize that I'm a mere mortal. Stress,
coupled with real life, resulted in my mild depression. In January
I asked our doctor if she could prescribe something to alleviate
my symptoms. I'm on Lexapro once a day. Rupert agreed to take
Prozac.
You deserve peace of mind, regular sleep and a clear head. You
deserve to feel hopeful and happy. Get the help you need. Help
won't come to you, you have to go to it. Take the first step
and the result will follow. |
