The Light Center, College of the Redwoods

Well, it’s time to talk about something that most people really don’t want to talk about. As the end of the semester nears, students are feeling the "crunch" of deadlines and exams. In a few weeks, Christmas will be here. These are two things which can often cause a great deal of stress for people, and for some, become the source of the onset of a depressive episode. Depression comes is several forms including seasonal depression (Seasonal Affective Disorder), depression in the elderly, and postpartum depression. Current statistics suggest that nine million Americans will be diagnosed with clinical depression at some point in their lives. Research in the area suggests that the cause is related to brain chemistry. Two primary chemicals of the brain allow neurons to communicate with one another. These are seratonin and norepinephrine. In the depressed individual there is a decrease in the amount of these chemicals, thus reducing the messages being sent from one neuron to another. There is also some evidence that suggests that depression is to some degree familial.

So you say, "Everyone gets blue from time to time." This is certainly true. The difference between episodes of "blueness" and depression has to do with the length of the episode, the degree of the episode, and whether or not it is related to some other medical condition. In Clinical Depression the symptoms must be present for at least two weeks, and they cannot be due to some other medical condition. The depression becomes chronic when it lasts for two years or more. Depression is like one of those ‘little secrets’ that is often not talked about in families, and therefore not diagnosed. What this means essentially is that a great number of people are suffering without treatment because of the negative connotation of the disorder.

Once identified, depression is usually treated through a combination of medication and therapy. There are many antidepressant medications which are available by prescription. Some people will see improvement when on medication in as little as a couple of weeks. However it usually takes four to six weeks for the full effect of the medication to be realized. Moreover, it can take up to six months for the brain chemistry to stabilize once medication has been initiated. The disadvantage of antidepressant medication is that many have side effects and cannot be combined with other medication that the individual may be taking for other conditions. Once medication is started, it should be closely monitored by the physician. The dosage and drug choice may change based on the progress or lack of it the patient experiences. Psychotherapy is often used in conjunction with medication, but can be the sole form of intervention for mild and moderate bouts of depression. It also provides an option for those who choose not to take medication.

Comments? mailto:trish-blair@redwoods.edu

November 1, 1999

The symptoms of Clinical Depression are quite well documented. When several of these symptoms are present, the individual should be strongly urged to see either their physician, school counselor or mental health professional.

• Sad, cranky demeanor lasting for more than 2 weeks. Can include apathy, decreased interest in activities such as sex, hobbies or other activities previously considered pleasurable by the person involved. Physical complaints are common.

• Indecisiveness, and lack of ability to concentrate. Memory problems are often noted.

• Thoughts of death which could range from talk all the way to distinct plans to kill oneself.

• Sleeping problems including insomnia, restlessness at night, or hypersomnia which refers to a tendency to sleep or nap much of the day.

• Fatigue and loss of energy, which can make simply tasks such as getting dressed a major challenge.

• Unrealistic feelings of guilt, worthlessness. Low self esteem is common.

• Weight changes of more than 5% of one’s body weight in a month. This can be a gain or loss of weight.

• Psychomotor agitation such as pacing, trouble sitting still or excessively slow actions.

Barbara Garrison