Psychologist says "You Can Beat Depression" Dr. David J. Demko, gerontologist and editor AgeVenture News Service August 17, 2004 One of the side-effects of American affluence is depression. We enjoy the highest standard of living on the planet, and it depresses us just to think about it. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, one in five adults are depressed at any given time. So what makes us feel so bad about living so well? It's hard to tell. Some depression occurs in response to an imbalance in body chemistry, usually an inherited trait (endogenous depression). Other depression occurs in response to setbacks in life (exogenous depression). That's why some patients may be treated with medication, others with counseling, and still more with both medication and counseling. When you're clinically depressed, it seems like you'll never be happy again. How can you tell if what you are experiencing is normal sadness or true depression? If you're not sure, don't feel bad. It wasn't so long ago, that 50% of adult depression was misdiagnosed by doctors as being senile dementia. Thanks to Alzheimer research, this blatant medical error now occurs less frequently. According to psychologist John Preston, clinical depression differs from normal sadness in five basic ways. CLINICAL DEPRESSION is more intensely painful. lasts much longer. interferes with normal day-to-day functioning. is destructive. involves social, behavioral, cognitive and biological problems. "Even in the face of what seems like overwhelming despair," says Dr. Preston, "it is possible to beat depression and recover. It may not be easy, because depression is complex. There are different types, and different treatments for each type. The important thing is to know that help is available, and to take steps to get that help." SELF-HELP ACTIONS Accept that it is normal to have painful feelings. Express your feelings to at least one other person. Stay in contact with supportive friends and/or relatives. Maintain a realistic perception of your life and yourself. Engage in problem solving which promotes growth. Preston, the author of "You Can Beat Depression, helps readers recognize when to help themselves, and when to turn to professionals for treatment. The book also includes information on bipolar disorder diagnosis and treatment, a consumer guide to medications, preventive measures, and modern therapies. "You Can Beat Depression: a guide to prevention and recovery, 4th edition, 2004, 176 pages, $15.95, Impact Publishers, www.impactpublishers.com Image credit: Impact Publishers. See related articles in AgeVenture archives. AgeVenture Headline News AgeVenture Lifestyle Columns

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