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The seventh step on the path to mental wellness is to understand the types of disorders. Last month, we learned some of the categories of mental disorders. Educating about our diagnosis can empower and make things less "scary". It also helps make sense of the treatment plan.
There are more than 200 forms of mental illness. Due to the limited number of columns, it is difficult to cover each of them. We will learn more about the best known diseases.
The five most common mental health disorders are depression, anxiety, eating disorders, substance abuse and attention deficit disorder. Millions of people suffer from these disorders. Unfortunately, it is possible to diagnose one or more.
The next five columns will address each of these disorders so that we can better understand why we are doing what we do, why we feel what we are doing and what we can do to overcome this disorder. Today, we will learn more about depression and its effects on our lives.
According to the National Alliance Against Mental Illness, depression can have consequences for anyone. It is estimated that 16 million American adults have had at least one major depressive episode in the past year. Women are more affected than men. Children can also be depressed.
Depression is more than just feeling a little blue or sad. This is a major health problem. To be diagnosed with a depressive disorder, a person must have experienced a depressive episode lasting longer than two weeks.
Depression can be lasting and affect people's ability to function and cope with daily life. In the most severe cases, depression can lead to suicide. Fortunately, with early detection, diagnosis, and a treatment plan that includes medications, psychotherapy, and healthy lifestyle choices, many people can and must improve.
Some of the symptoms are:
• sleep changes
• changes in appetite
• Lack of concentration
• loss of energy
• Lack of interest in activities
• despair or guilty thoughts
• Changes in movement (less activity or agitation)
• Physical pains
• Suicidal thoughts
Depression can be caused by one or more of these factors:
• trauma
• Genetic
• circumstances of life
• brain and hormonal changes
• Medical problems such as chronic pain or anxiety
• medication
• Abuse of drugs and alcohol
Depression can be overwhelming but may respond to treatment. The key is to get a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. Safety planning is important for people who have suicidal thoughts. Once an badessment has eliminated medical causes and other possible causes, a treatment plan may include any or all of the following:
• psychotherapy, including cognitive-behavioral therapy, family-centered therapy and interpersonal therapy
• antidepressants, mood stabilizing drugs
• exercise
• light therapy
• Acupuncture, meditation, faith and nutrition can help
• Brain stimulation therapies such as electroconvulsive therapy for severe depression
Next month, we will explore "the agony of anxiety," as I say. I suffer from this sometimes and it is not fun.
Betty Nufer tag: Betty Nufer is Program Manager for Spark The Change Colorado and has been a resident of Pueblo. To learn more about free mental health services and programs, please call 719-821-2982 or send an email to bnufer @ sparkthechangecolorado.
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