BE OUR GUEST: LEARN TO RECOGNIZE THE SIGNS OF DEPRESSION

Janet Knoderer is program chairperson of the Depressive and Manic Depressive Association of Southeast Missouri.

The Depressive and Manic Depressive Association of Southeast Missouri and Community Counseling Center are presenting the opportunity for individuals in the area to take advantage of the First National Depression Screening Day being held in 300 sites across the nation. Locally, the screening will be held Thursday at West Park Mall from 2-5 p.m. and 6-8 p.m.

According to Dr. Douglas Jacobs, psych~iatrist, Harvard Medical School and project director of National Depression Screening Day, 10 million Americans suffer from depression, yet less than one/third seek help. Sadly, despite the fact that treatment is available and recovery is likely, 15 percent of these individuals commit suicide. So, realize in the 31 counties comprising Southeast Missouri, according to the National Institute of Mental Health, there are 23,000 individuals who will suffer from depression and the percentages for those who seek help and commit suicide are the same as nationwide.

We know this is also true when Dr. Jacobs writes that we all experience periods when we feel our efforts are futile or that life is unrewarding, these feelings are usually temporary and do not interfere with our ability to function. For those of us who do and for individuals who will suffer from severe depression, however, these feelings are like being in a bottomless pit from which no escape is possible. Those of us in our association all recognize this as a classic description filled with hopelessness.

Six months like this ending in suicidal thoughts made me seek help. I remember how devastated I was when I, at 16, aborted my mother's attempt. No one who suffers from severe major depression is unique, a fact learned quickly and very appreciatively in our group support sessions. We can relate to the following symptoms of depression:

1) Change in appetite.

2) Trouble with sleep or awakening.

3) Inability to concentrate.

4) Inability to enjoy usual activities.

5) Feelings of hopelessness.

6) Lack of self esteem.

7) Feelings of fatigue.

8) Persistent physical ailments with no medical correlation.

9) Thoughts about suicide or attempts at suicide.

Those of us who have made a point to learn about our illness recognize one through four as the beginning stages when early interception can be an advantage. Five through eight progresses to that bottomless pit devoid of hope or change and can last several months, greatly disrupting and devastating the individual's life. We need to grasp the full meaning of the fact that depression, "the common cold" of mental illness, is a treatable biological-neurological brain disorder which affects our moods and behavior. Severe major or chemical depression cannot be stabilized without treatment. Continuing research and never medications are being developed with less side effects. Modern technologies for examining the brain and improved methods of documentation have made an 80 to 90 percent success rate a reality.

Accepting and learning about depression, as we have discovered, is an important first step toward understanding and accepting oneself and anyone who suffers from it. Sadly, stigma and discrimination based on myths and stereotype portrayals that perpetuate fear and shame defeat courage, disabling two/thirds of those affected who can only suffer in devastating silence.

Our depression screening, which is not a substitute for a complete examination, will include:

A 20-minute depression education session 2:30 Janet Knoderer, 6:30 Dr. K.P.S. Kamath, psychiatrist.

Anonymous completion of a depression check list.

A brief, individualized review of the completed checklist with a mental health professional.

Video information about depression.

The opportunity to learn about referral options in the area.

The benefits of taking part in the screening and educational sessions include:

Early detection of depression

A better understanding of depression, its signs and symptoms

Insight into available treatments

Information about resources in the area

We cannot emphasize enough that individuals of all races, color, creed, age level and economic status need not be without hope or future. Depression is the most treatable of all the mental illnesses. Mythologies, such as depression is a sign of weakness, bad moral character,and lack of faith and will power which keep individuals from seeking help and knowledge, are a travesty upon their lives and their loved ones. Stigma can only be overcome when we own it instead of letting it own us. We must realize that depression is a biological and neurological disorder of the brain affecting our mood controls, and symptoms and behavior cannot be separated, only recognized, diagnosed and treated. Just as important, those individuals and loved ones who suffer must be supported and have access to a support system as with any other illness.