I had originally researched this piece back on May 28th ‘07. This is the holiday season – Christmas is right around the corner. I know a lot of people out of work and hurting right now. Please read this article and pass along the information to anyone who you feel might need it.
Academy Award winning actress Cher, in the movie "Moonstruck", slaps Nicolas Cage and says "snap out of it!" She was referring to love, but many people believe that by simply saying "snap out of it" someone will "get out" of their depression. It doesn't happen that way.
Depression is a subject that, until very recently, was not openly discussed. There are lots of topics bandied about by truckers, but depression is not one them. There are no available statistics regarding how many truckers suffer or are being treated for depression. Many are unsure of what depression actually is, some are uncomfortable dealing with the realities of the disease and most are afraid of losing their job if someone finds out.
Untreated depression is costly. A RAND Corporation study found that people with depression symptoms spend more days in bed than those with diabetes, arthritis, back afflictions, lung problems or gastrointestinal disorders. Approximately $65 billion is lost to industry each year because of depression. $15 billion of that is lost to absenteeism. Additional loss results if a drivers untreated depression contributes to alcoholism or drug abuse.
Examples of work problems stemming from depression are (careless) on the job injuries, accidents, fights, tired unmotivated workers and bad customer service. And equally affected are the innocent victims that have to suffer as well. In the workplace there are your colleagues. At home, your wife or husband, children, relatives and parents. Depression does not discriminate. Both you and everyone around you hurt.
Kathleen Cronkite (daughter of the famous newsman Walter Cronkite) in her book "On The Edge of Darkness" says that depression "can happen to anyone, at any time and takes many forms. It may be a lifelong problem."
Depression affects about 16 million Americans every year. It is not event driven or temporary. You cannot simply change your environment or the events around you and the depression will go away. It is not a "temporary" situation. You can be rich or poor. It is both biological, physical and painful. It negatively impacts your relationships, work, sleep, appetite and your entire life.
If you are having any of the following or similar symptoms, discuss them with a doctor.
-loss of energy, feeling run-down despite your activity level
-a change in appetite along with significant weight gain or loss
-sleeping too much or too little
-constant feelings of sadness, tension, stress or uneasiness
-marked decreased ability to concentrate or make decisions
-decreased interest in your usual daily activities, hobbies or people
-feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness or guilt
-thoughts of suicide or death
Sitting down with a professional can be cathartic. There is no need for embarrassment. If you can't call for an appointment yourself, ask someone you trust to make it for you. For many, especially men, seeking assistance is difficult. Both men and women should try and understand that depression is not a personal weakness. It is not a character or personality flaw or lack of willpower. You do not have to be ashamed, uncomfortable and afraid.
Depression is caused by an imbalance of brain chemicals, along with other factors. It is a disease and is very treatable. Many report that after obtaining help the feeling is comparable to coming out of a dark tunnel. Information and education is power. You can go online to numerous sources and support organizations to learn more about depression. The more you know about the causes, symptoms and treatments, the better empowered you are to deal with the disease. Some facts and terms you should be aware of include:
-SAD or seasonal affective disorder or winter depression. Typical with people who live and work in areas with constant dark, cloudy and dreary days with little sunshine.
-PPD or postpartum depression. Affects about 10% of women. Caused by fluctuating hormones in about half of new mothers. It can happen within a few months after delivery or within the first year after giving birth. It can interfere with the mother's ability to bond with her newborn. It is different from "baby blues" which tends to occur within a few days after delivery.
-PMDD or premenstrual dysphoric disorder. Most women experience some premenstrual symptoms of irritability or depressed mood. About 5% of women who have PMDD have severe irritability and/or depression for a week or two prior to or during menstruation.
-Clinical depression is the "umbrella" term for any depression that requires treatment.
-Dysthymia or "mood disorder" is the lack of experiencing any pleasure in everyday life and continues for two or more years. It differs from clinical depression in the severity of the symptoms.
-OCD is obsessive compulsive disorder. The brain gets "stuck" on a particular thought, action, urge or purpose and "won't let go."
-GAD or general anxiety disorder is excessive and chronic anxiety which interferes with normal daily functioning.
-Atypical depression affects women and is characterized by periods of depression that seems to get better then worse. Panic or anxiety attacks, overeating, hypersensitivity and oversleeping are symptoms.
-Bipolar or manic is marked by extreme high and low "episodes."
-PSTD or post traumatic stress disorder is extreme fear and anxiety caused by an horrific intensely upsetting event.
-SSRI's or selective serotonin re uptake inhibitors are antidepressants prescribed by doctors in the treatment of depression.
Like any serious medical condition, depression needs to be treated. You can't "go it alone." Untreated depression is the #1 cause of suicide. Find out if your employer has an EAP or employee assistance program. This will enable you to seek professional assistance without anyone on the job knowing.
If you know someone who you believe is suffering from depression, encourage them to seek help. Support them and and help them stick with therapy and take their prescribed medication. Understand that depression cannot be treated overnight and that you need patience. Recovery takes time. Just taking that small step to seek help may make all the difference.
RESOURCES:
http://stress-anxiety-depression.org
http://depressiononpsychiatry24x7.com
http://menanddepression.himh.hih.gov
DEPRESSION CARE GIVER SUPPORT:
http://members.tripod.com/garyicare
http://nwrwca.org
http://depressionresources.webmd.com
http://directory.google.com/top/health/mental/health/disorders.mood/depression/
http://freedomfromfear.com.mssgboard.asp
http://4women.gov/faq/depress.htm
DRUGS* YOU SHOULD LEARN MORE ABOUT:
*many drug manufacturers have their own web sites - do a Google search
Lexapro
Effexor
Prozac
Zoloft
Paxil
Wellbutrin
Celexa
Cymbalta
** The photos used in this special report are from the University of Michigan School of Mental Health web site - the words are by William Styron - please go to their web site for more information:http://sph.umich.edu/.../images/depression.jpg
