DEPRESSION
What is depression? “There is a difference between the blues and depression,” says Dr. J. Kim Penberthy, an associate profes- sor of psychiatry and neurobehav- ioral sciences at the University of Virginia and wife of a former Navy flight surgeon. “A diagnosis of de- pression is made when there is some impairment in daily living for two weeks or longer.” Depression is a real illness. Brain- imaging technologies show objective differences in the brains of people with depression. It seems to be caused by a combination of genetic, hereditary, biological, environmen- tal, and psychological factors and varies from person to person. Grief or a stressful situation might trigger an episode, but depression can arise without any obvious cause. According to Penberthy, depres- sion can cause both physical and emotional pain. Physical symptoms include muscle soreness, head- aches, and digestive problems that don’t improve with treatment. Emotional symptoms include feel- ings of sadness, emptiness, help- lessness, anxiety, and crankiness; not wanting to be with others; loss of interest in previously enjoyed ac- tivities; inability to concentrate; and
changes in sleeping or eating. Other illnesses often can coexist with depression, such as anxiety disorders, alco- holism or sub- stance abuse, PTSD, chronic pain, cancer, stroke, heart disease, and other debilitating or chronic physical ailments.
Women are more likely than men to ex- perience depression during their lifetime.
How is depression treated? Often an antidepressant is prescribed to treat depression. These tend to take several weeks to become effective, and it might take several months of adjust- ments to achieve the best results. Antidepressants, in combina- tion with visits to a psychologist or psychiatrist for “talk therapy,” seem to be the most effective way to treat depression. In addition, incorporat- ing certain positive strategies into your daily life also can help, says Col. Rebecca Porter, USA, chief of behav-
ioral health in the Office of the Army Surgeon General in Washington, D.C. “They can help you to be more resil- ient in the face of stress, which can lessen the likelihood of depression,” she says. Follow a routine. “Make your life as
structured as it was when you were feeling better,” advises Penberthy. De- pression can lead to immobility, so fol- lowing a written daily schedule can be very helpful. Most people admit they feel better once they get moving. Set realistic goals. If responsibilities are causing stress, back off a bit. Exercise and be active. “One of
the most effective things to stave off
IS ONE OF THE MOST COMMON MENTAL ILLNESSES IN THE U.S., with an estimated one in 10 adults reporting depression, according to the CDC. Depression can interfere with daily functioning and affect not only those who feel depressed but also those around them. Fortunately, by rec- ognizing its symptoms and getting help, you can treat depression.
45- to 59-year-olds are more likely to be depressed than those over age 60.
72 MILITARY OFFICER JANUARY 2012
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