DEPRESSION IS JUST A BAD CASE OF THE BLUES
We throw the word depression around casually.
Let's use the analogy of how a rich dessert can produce a mood change vs. the condition of diabetes.
The effects of the dessert are a temporary change in your blood sugar. Diabetes is lasting and serious.
Sadness is time limited and a reaction to something specific.
Depression is longer term, biological, and often inherited.
PEOPLE WITH DEPRESSION CAN'T FUNCTION.
This is an inaccurate image many people have.
Most depressed people work, raise families, date, take vacations, etc.
But they do it all at less than full capacity.
People can HIDE depression. And even when it shows, its amazing how no one will say anything about it.
MOST DEPRESSED PEOPLE KNOW IT AND GET HELP.
If only this were true.
2/3 of depressed people never get help.
But when they do, 80-90% are effectively helped.
But try to ignore it, attribute it to "just the way I am" or have gotten so used to feeling depressed that it feels "normal".
MOST DOCTORS WILL RECOGNIZE DEPRESSION.
Sadly, this is false.
A survey by Consumer Reports showed that 50-80% of emotional problems are never diagnosed by doctors.
And even when they are apparent, 75% never make a referral to a psychologist or psychiatrist.
Do not rely on your doctor to have much training or info on depression or anxiety.
Educate yourself, read everything you can!
Dr. Moore is a licensed psychologist and Founder and Director of Fall Creek Associates. She is President of the Sacramento Psychological Association, adjunct faculty member in the School of Psychology at the Fielding Graduate Institute, teaches classes through The Learning Exchange, and frequently appear as a guest on public service programs having to do with psychology and emotional wellness. She has also written a newspaper column called Senior Wellness, which focuses on general psychology topics as well as those of special interest to senior readers. In addition to working with private clients, she welcomes the opportunity to disseminate information on psychology and mental health issues to the general public through her PsychPages website.