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The Surgeon General has stated that one in five Americans experiences a mental disorder in any given year and half of all Americans have such disorders at some time in their lives. Depression was named as a disorder that often goes undiagnosed and untreated.
The holidays are a great time of year for most people. But some begin to feel depressed. Isn’t this just a case of the "Holiday Blues?"
Some people have unrealistic expectations about what is SUPPOSED to happen, how we are SUPPOSED to feel. When the holidays don’t measure up to those expectations, depression may set in. Sometimes depression is connected to a loss in the past that happened at that time of year. Or it could be a seasonal disorder associated with less sunlight during the winter months.
But some people dread all the tinsel and song, and find it irritating. How can a person tell if he or she is truly depressed?
- Person looks depressed
- His or her energy level drops
- Neglect health or hygiene
- Loss of appetite and\or sex drive
- Sleep changes, behavior changes
- Increased focus on physical sickness
- Missing time at work or school
- Inability to care for children or other dependents
- How do we help a person who seems depressed?
- Talk to the person and tell her what you see.
- Suggest a specific thing to do, like go to a fun movie.
- Help her change some of the things that bother her.
- Ask a professional for help.
How will a therapist approach this problem?
- Careful assessment of symptoms
- Review recent life events and personal and family history
- Check to see if medicine could be causing depression
- Work together to set goals.
- Talk out the problem.
- Take steps to correct the problem
- Sometimes medication is advised.
How can Heartland Family Service help?
Call for a test to help you decide whether you are depressed.
Then call 553-3000 to talk to a counselor.
For more information on depression, call 553-3000 or toll-free (877) 553-3001 or email info@heartlandfamilyservice.org
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