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Show Depression: a serious disorder y v 1 1 q - -- E ' I rin ' r nTr-'li,..- n - I ? t fe- . r ' I . jz - - - & ! 4 Depression, a pervasive, all- encompassing feeling of deep sadness, is a condition suffered by millions of Americans. Dr. John Taylor, the director of Psychology Services at Benchmark Regional Hospital and recently appointed director di-rector of the outpatient Depression Clinic at B enchmark ' s B oun 1 1 ful Family Care Center, states that "depression is the most common form of mental illness and the number one reason individuals seek outpatient counseling.' Although recognized by a common com-mon set of symptoms, depression can have as many specific forms as there are people who are depressed. Dr. Taylor relates. ! Many normal emotions, such as sadness and grief, are reactions to j losses and developmental passages in some families, depression and other mood disorders appear to run across generations. As a director of the Depression Clinic at Benchmark's Bountiful Family Care Center, Dr. Taylor emphasizes that treatment is often a multifaceted endeavor. "While many individuals require only brief assessment and support or education, edu-cation, others may require brief psychotherapy, group therapy or education, family therapy, or even antidepressant medication,' Dr. Taylor notes. "All of these services will be offered at the Depression Clinic,' Dr. Taylor observed. , "Effective therapy begins with effective evaluation and diagnosis. The clinic is staffed with a select group of psychologists, Benchmark hospital is equipped to professionally handle the treatment of the many forms of deoression. I psychiatrists, social workers, and other therapists trained in the detection detec-tion and treatment of mood disorders. dis-orders. Treatment typically involves in-volves psychotherapy, behavior change, re-establishing balance in one's life, and correcting "the thinking errors seen in major depression. Dr. Taylor also reports that members of the Depression Clinic team will be presenting public lectures lec-tures and workshops concerning depression and its management These are free to the public. Concerned Con-cerned individuals are encouraged to call Benchmark at 298-2844. which all people experience. Depression, however, can be a pathological version of these, as in the case of an individual who, months after a death or separation, has still been unable to begin his emotional recovery. Depression can be recognized by symptoms seen in three major areas. In terms of mood and emo- tkm, the primary symptom is anhedonia. This is an inability to experience pleasure. A person suffering from anhedonia will report that previously previous-ly important and exciting goals and activity have lost their shine, and that nothing is any good. Feelings of sadness, hopelessness, helplessness, pessimism, guilt, shame, emptiness, self-hatred, self-preoccupation, lowered self-esteem, irritability, anxiety, impaired concentration and even paranoia can all be some of the emotional signs of depression. Depression also affects one's physical functioning. Indicators here include changes or loss of appetite, ap-petite, weight gain or loss, changes in sleep patterns or sleep disturbance, distur-bance, fatigue, loss of energy, decreased energy level, agitation, decreased sex drive, physical aches and pains and accident proneness. A third major area affected by depression is an individual's social adjustment. Here one sees a general decrease in the individual's ability to cope or function with his daily responsibilities. A general decrease in one's interest and involvement in work, social activities and play is often seen. Social withdrawal and isolation are common indicators. The causes of depression are also quite varied. These fall into two major categories, psychological and physical. Excessive or uncontrolled stress, major life changes (either good or bad), self-defeating thinking, think-ing, and irrational self-expectations are all some of the common psychological causes of depression. Many physical disorders may have depression as a side effect. This includes many common diseases, such as mononucleosis, hepatitis, influenza and diabetes. Drug and alcohol abuse or withdrawal also commonly involve depression as a secondary problem. For some individuals, depression can have a genetic component and |