Clinical Depression is a Medical Problem

ISMAIL Korme, LICSW, LCSW-CCommunity Mental Health Awareness Series

OCO, Washington DC 09/29/2015

Disclaimer

The purpose of this presentation is not to provide a medical advice or professional counseling with Specific diagnosis. Rather it is to educate, create awareness and identify resources . If you think you can relate to some of the symptoms of depression discussed in this presentation, you should seek help from your Primary care provider or a therapist. Resources are provided on the last page of this presentation.

Goals and Objectives

To educate our self and the community as to why Depression is a mental health issue

To understand the impact of the stigma associated with Mental illness

To identify resources for those who are seeking treatment

True or False

Depression is a form of Mental illness

Only weak people gets depressed

Females have higher rates of depression than males

Depression does not run in the family

Only adults can get depressed

Talking about depression can only makes it worse

Easy to explain physical complaints

5

Human Brain

6

Images of a Depressed Person

The image of Depressed brain

Definition

Depression is a mood disorder. It is an impairment associated with social, cognitive, emotional, and behavioral functioning. Depression can be a normal reaction to situation but can be also be disabling.

Facts

World wide there are more than 350 million people who are suffering from some sort of depression.( Source: WHO)

About 9 % of American adults suffer from some form of depression.

Married women are more likely to be depressed than unmarried women.

Physical symptoms

Fatigue

Memory loss

Sleep problems

Trouble concentrating

Weight gain or loss

Headaches

Backaches

Muscle aches

Chest pain

Joint pain

Emotional Symptoms

• Crying • Staying in bed all day and more• Frowning all the time • Feeling sad• Lacking energy • Lacking interest in activities• Sleeping or eating too much • Agitation and restlessness• Craving for carbohydrates• Anhedonia • Inability to concentrate or think• Feeling of worthlessness• Feeling of hopelessness• Suicidal ideation

Types of Depression

Major Depression- Five or more serious symptoms of depression for more than two weeks

Persistent Depressive Disorder- Depression lasting two years or longer

Bipolar Disorder- Mood swing between high energy and low energy episodes

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)- usually happens during the winter season

Psychotic Depression- Person with both psychotic and depression at the same time

Postpartum Depression- Women exhibiting symptoms of Depression after childbirth ( before?)

Premenstrual Dysphonic Disorder (PMDD)- Depression at the start of menstrual period

'Situational' Depression- Depression when confronted with a very stressful situation

Atypical Depression- Symptoms are usually different from other types of depression

discussed above

Treatment of Depression

Talk therapy

Medication

Combination of two or more treatments

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS)

Light therapy

Web-based/smart phone apps intervention

Collaboration with other professionals

Eat balanced diet and count your calories

Relaxation techniques

Physical activity

Other remedies

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)

Herbal

Holy water

Self help (exercise, relaxation, prayers)

Support groups

Self medication

Alcohol and other addictive substance use; which is eventually self destructive over time if used to treat depression

Professional Service Providers

• Psychologists • Psychiatrists • Clinical Social Workers• Professional Counselors• Other Health Professionals

Other Providers

Spiritual leaders

Faith healers

Stigma

The shame of being hospitalized for mental illness

The stigma of caring the diagnosis of major mental illness

The isolation the person imposes on himself

The isolation the society imposes on the person

In Summary

3 must do’s when one is inflicted with a disabling emotional illness:

1- Seek professional treatment

2-Seek disability benefits

3- Seek support groups

Web Sources

• http://dbh.dc.gov/ • http://dhmh.maryland.gov/• http://dbhds.virginia.gov/• http://www.nami.org/ • http://minorityhealth.hhs.gov/• http://cdc.gov/• http://www.mayoclinic.org/• http://www.psychiatry.org/• www.nimh.nih.gov • http://www.who.int/• http://www.samhsa.gov/