Oftentimes, that type of statement
might roll off of someone's lips with an emphasis on the word
"depression" as though it is a living phenomenon. Let's face it. Our
society attaches a stigma to depression that discourages people from
seeking treatment. The truth is, battling depression doesn't mean
you're weak. It means you're like 340 million other people around the
world that have to attend to their emotional needs the same way that
someone affected by a cold needs to get rest.
I think I'd know if I were depressed
Not necessarily. The truth is
that approximately half of the people suffering from depression go
unrecognized and untreated. One in four women and one in ten men will
develop depression sometime during their life. That means that there
are many people dealing with depression who are unaware that they have
the symptoms and could benefit from treatment.
But I don't feel depressed
The truth is, a depressed mood
is only one of the symptoms of depression. Other symptoms include loss
of appetite, difficulty concentrating, and sleep disturbance.
Depression may or may not impair social and occupational functioning.
Although an individual may excel at work and socially, they still may
be dealing with depression.
Appropriate treatment can help 80% of
people who deal with depression. What's more, is that the earlier that
treatment is sought, the more rapid the recovery. If your think you or
a family member may have symptoms of depression, a LifeWorks counselor
can help you sort things out.
© LifeWorks Employee Resource
