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Show Depression is part of normal living Soup n' Salad Seminars are held at Benchmark Regional Hospital in Woods Cross, every other Wednesday Wednes-day and are open to the public. The seminar scheduled for March 14, "The Things That Matter Most," will feature Lowell Bennion. Luncheon Lun-cheon seminars begin at 12:30 and the cost for lunch is $1. Please RSVP. For more information contact con-tact Benchmark Regional Hospital at 298-2844. "Occurrences of depression in the U.S. are quite common. Eighty percent of depression goes undiagnosed un-diagnosed and, therefore, goes untreated, un-treated, said Benchmark Regional Hospital pharmacist, Lori Blackner, at a Feb. 28 luncheon seminar. Addressing a group of 35 local residents, Blackner explained that depression is part of normal living and can usually be overcome with the help and support of family and friends. "We all have certain crises in our lives; major depression must be distinguished from normal grief, sadness and depression," said Blackner. Some signs to look for in major depression are: sadness, despair, mental slowing and loss of concentration, pessimistic worry, agitation and self -harm. "Stress is also a major cause of depression and we look for this in diagnosis," she added. Some of the physical changes that occur with depression are: insomnia, in-somnia, anorexia and weight loss or opposite, decreased energy and will for life, disruption of hormonal activities ac-tivities and suicidal thoughts. "Depression is not an illness of modem times," said Blackner. "It has been with us for centuries. But, what is new is the study of depression." depres-sion." In treatment of depression there are five different drugs that are most commonly used today, MAOI's, TCA's, Prozac, Deseryl and Wellbutrin. While all drugs have more than one effect, Blackner said, the major positive effect is called the therapeutic effect. The other effects are called side effects. Drug companies have been working to eliminate the part of the structure that results in the side effects. According to Blackner, the drug Prozac that came onto the market last year and some people are calling call-ing the "wonder drug," has fewer side effects. "The major drawback right now is the price," said Blackner. In conclusion Blackner said, "You don't need to go through life feeling like you don't want to get out of bed. |