Indianapolis Recorder, Indianapolis, Marion County, 13 April 2001 — Page 2

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THE INDIANAPOLIS RECORDER

FRIDAY, APRIL 13,2001.

Our African-American history is so rich, this book is just the first chapter.

If you have an appreciation for history, you’ll find Kentucky is a very accommodating

place to learn. Kentucky’s past is filled with a wealth of African-American history and achievements. And we’re more than happy to share. For more information, visit kentuckytourism.com or call (800) 225-8747.

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What is clinical depression and how do you deal with it?

By B. RANDAL HORTON, Ph.D. (Editor's note: The Recorder continues its series on mental health with communin' partners at the Indiana Association of Black Psychologists. Next week we will explore Emotions: Are We Their Victims.) ***** How often have you experienced a period of feeling sad, “blah,” and dissatisfied? Most likely you have experienced these symptoms a variety of times in your life. Perhaps a change in your life such as job instability, an argument with a loved one, a death of a beloved friend, or sometimes just waking up on the wrong side of the bed have helped to cause these symptoms. It appears that to live means to experience these aspects of life. More times than not these symptoms are transient and within a couple of days we are able to bounce back and regain our fortitude and zest for living. However, sometimes we are baffled over those symptoms and have great difficulty in getting rid of them. It seems as if we are trapped

THE INDIANAPOLIS RECORDER USPS 262-660 Published weekly by: The George P. Stewart Printing Co., Inc., P.O. Box 18499, 2901 N. Tacoma Ave., Indianapolis, IN 46218. Entered as Second Class Matter under Act of March 7.1870. Periodicals paid at Indianapolis, IN. POSTMASTER: Send address changesto: 77m Indianapolis Recorder, P.O. Box 18499,2901 N. Tacoma Ave., Indianapolis, IN 46218. Subscription price by mail or carrier: $39 per year; $29 for 6 mos.,75 cents per copy. National advertising representative: Amalgamated Publishers Inc., 45 W. 45th St., New York, NY 10036. The National Newspaper Publishers Association, Central Indiana Publishers Association, Hoosier State Press Association. SUBSCRIBERS BY MAIL: We are not responsible for replacing issues missed due to change of address or late renewals. Please allow two weeks when placing a neW subscription or change of address order. Call (317) 924-5143.

It's all ablfmaking responsible choices,

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“Wo may become disenchanted with our current situation and may feel there Is no hope. These symptoms could be the beginning of clinical depression.” and cannot see the light at the end of the tunnel. We may become disenchanted with our current situation and may feel there is ho hope. These symptoms could be the beginning of clinical depression. Unlike the occasional “blues,” clinical depression has a set of symptoms that tend to hang together and are more severe in terms of intensity, frequency and duration than the “blues.” Signs of clinical depression Individuals who meet criteria for clinical depression will have consistently experienced the majority of the following symptoms for at least a two-week period: • Depressed mood • Decreased energy and ability to concentrate • Feelings of worthlessness or guilt • Recurrent thoughts of suicide or death • Changes in sleep and appetite patterns • Anhedonia (a loss of interest in previously pleasurable activities) • Irritability • Social withdrawal • Crying spells What to do about clinical depression? The saying “knowing is half the battle” is how to deal with clinical depression. Often times we are more frustrated when we don’t know the reasons for something or cannot classify it. When we are able to classify an issue we often have a spell of relief even though knowing may not totally take away the frustration of dealing with the stressor. First, if you have not had a physical in some time, make an appointment with your physician. At times a medical condition can mimic the signs and symptoms of clinical depression or exacerbate the clinical depression. For example, you notice your friend has a depressed mood, difficulty concentrating, isolates, is easily irritable, has poor energy and is crying more often— you may think clinical depression. Well hold on, these may be symptoms of hypothyroidism or underactive thyroid. A thorough assessment by a physician would help to differently diagnose this condition. In this example, once the hormonal issue is treated most likely the depressive symptoms will be alleviated. Barring any co-existing medical condition that may be causing or exacerbating your depressive symptoms, the next step is to do something that is different and constructive. Often times we expect a different and positive outcome yet continue to do the same deconstructive behavior. So if you find yourself lying in bed all day, get up. If you have the drapes drawn and are not letting light into your home, open them. One of the hardest things to do when depressed is to think outside of the box. We are like a horse

with blinders on and do not see the available options. Suggestions for dealing with clinical depression Self help: • Go to places that promote social interaction to combat isolation such as: joining a support group for depression, volunteer work at a community center, visiting or calling friends, or attending church. * Engage in activities such as cleaning a room in your house, exercising or keeping a journal to help increase a sense of accomr plishment. Seeking professional help: ■ Clinical depression is a treatable condition. The professions that are most suitable for assessing, diagnosing and treating clinical depression are clinical or counseling psychologists and psychiatrists. - Psychologists are not medical doctors and do not prescribe medications, however, they usually possess a doctoral degree in psychology. Their approach to helping someone with clinical depression will include a clinical interview and either a computerized or pa-per-pencil questionnaire to assess relevant information such as personality characteristics and signs and symptoms of the present condition. Treatment usually consists of individual or group psychotherapy. The focus is on helping you view your circumstances in a more constructive manner and teaching you how your actions or lack of actions may contribute to you feeling better or worse. Oftentimes homework tasks or reading materials are suggested to do between scheduled therapy sessions. Psychiatrists are medical doctors and can prescribe medication. They also will conduct a clinical interview. However, their treatment approach and focus will be to assess your medical history and determine the appropriate antidepressant medication for you to help attenuate or alleviate your symptoms of depression. There is no magic bullet for depression, however medication can correct chemical imbalances ip your brain that tend to lead to depressive symptoms. I By correcting the chemical inir balance you may then have a brighter effect, more energy, increased motivation, and decreased crying spells so you are able to do some of the activities listed above to maintain your recovery front clinical depression. However, as with many medications there are usually side eff fects. Anti-depressants can caus? loss of sexual desire or sexual dysfunction, weight gain, and dty mouth to name a few. Adjusting medication levels can minimize many of the side effects. In most cases when individuals utilize a combination of psycht^ therapy and antidepressant medication these people are better equipped to handle future episode of clinical depression and ha\& learned constructive coping skilft which they can utilize whenevif they may be faced with depressiwt symptoms again. In these days of healthcare reform individuals may not be ab^l to pay for a refill of an antidepressant medication but if you ha& learned a new skill to handle depression you can take that anywhere and don’t have to continue to pay for it. Knowing is half the battle, j 1

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