Diagnosing and Dealing with Depression

Depression is no mere slump in mood. Unlike “the blues,” which tends to clear up in a few days, depression frequently is both prolonged and recurring. It can’t be ignored, and it can’t be joked or whistled away.

Sufferers of depression are likely to experience:

• Prolonged loss of interest in home, work and personal appearance
• Loss of interest in sexual activity
• Sudden changes or excesses in eating or sleeping habits
• Frequent, uncontrollable crying
• Lingering, unfocused nervousness or grouchiness
• Persistent feelings of hopelessness and futility

“Depression might be the temporary sadness that follows a loss or it might be a more disruptive illness that interferes with the ability to enjoy work, school and family life,” said Stephen Kehoe, MA, RN, Director of Behavioral Health Services at Silver Cross Hospital. “Often the depressed person is overwhelmed by feelings of hopelessness and inaction which make it difficult for the person

to reach out to others. But depression can be treated with a combination of support, medical intervention and self-help.”

There are both physical and psychological triggers for a person to experience depression. Illness and chemical imbalances are physical causes. Psychological or emotional causes include distressing or

threatening changes—the death of a loved one, divorce or loss of a job—and continuing problems of emotional dependency and low self-esteem. Other factors that may trigger a depressive episode include:

• Chemical imbalance
• Childbirth
• Food allergies
• Alcoholism
• Viral illness
• Prescription drugs
• Tumor or cancer
• Chronic pain
• Head injury
• Stress
• Surgery

Untreated, depression can be debilitating and can lead to suicide. It’s a serious condition requiring serious treatment.

Treatment for Depression

If you suspect you suffer depression, seeking help is your first step. Silver Cross is offering free Depression Screenings, Tuesday, Oct. 6, from 4 to 8 p.m. in the Hospital’s Conference Center, 1890 Silver Cross Blvd., New Lenox. You will take a written test followed by a confidential meeting with a behavioral health specialist who will review self-care tips and provide a referral to physician or counselor if therapy or treatment is recommended. You can register in advance to attend at www.silvercross.org or just stop to be screened.

“Almost everyone who experiences a depression can recover and feel good again,” says Stephen. “It’s a step-by-step process, but the first small step leads to the next one and, with help, you’ll be able to cope with life again.”

About Silver Cross Hospital

Silver Cross Hospital is a not-for-profit health care provider serving Will County and southwest suburban communities since 1895. Silver Cross has been recognized as a Truven Health Analytics 100 Top Hospitals National Award winner for seven consecutive years, a Hospital of Choice by the American Alliance of Healthcare Providers and was honored with an “A” Hospital Safety ScoreSM by The Leapfrog Group.