Combating Depression (NAPSA)—Nearly 20 million Americans suffer from depression. The good news is that depression—even when it’s chronic or debilitating—can be treated successfully. In fact, more than 80 percent of people who seek treatment for depression show measurable improvement. Sadly, many people resist treatment because they are embarrassed to admit their despondency. They should know that they are not alone. Depression is the most common mental illness, affecting as many as one in every 20 adults and one in every 10 children and teens. Depression can occur in anyone, and can be triggered by a traumatic experience or it can develop gradually over time. Often it strikes for no obvious reason. The first step toward treating depression is identifying it. Typi- cal symptoms of depression include: * Persistent sad, anxious or “empty” moods Sleeping too much, toolittle or just plain tossing and turning Reduced or increased appetite that leads to weight loss or weight gain * Loss of pleasure and interest in once enjoyable activities * Restlessness, irritability and persistent physical symptoms that do not respond to treatment such as chronic pain or digestive disorders Difficulty concentrating, remembering or makingdecisions * Noticeable fatigue or loss of energy Thoughts of suicide or death While not everyone with depression will have all these symptoms, one or more often aretell- Symptoms Can Help You Improve tale signs. If you or someone you know spot any of these symptoms, don’t hesitate to see a doctor. Treatment for depression varies with each individual. The most Families for Depression Awareness, a non-profit mentalhealth organization, talk therapy, antidepressant medication, or a combination of these Learning More About Your offers a confidential mood questionnaire on their website to help you determine whether you may have a mood disorder. The group hasalso worked with clinicians to develop an Adult Depression Monitoring Toolkit, which helps patients and their families keep track of day-to-day emotions and behaviors. This can better inform health care providers about whether treatmentis working and can also provide warning signs if a depressed patientis feeling suicidal. For more infomation, or to getthe kit, go to www.familyaware.org or call (781) 890-0220. common types of treatment are twooptions. Close attention must be paid to any treatment regimen for depression. Careful monitoring by a doctor or caregiver, and the individual undergoing treatment is important to knowing whether the treatment is working or whether a different one should betried. Treating depression takes time, but it can be controlled to the point where patients can enjoy life. Leaving depression unnoticed and untreated, however, is a risk. Remember, identifying depression and taking positive action is the first step on the path to getting it under control and, perhaps, even curingit.
