LIFELINE Employee Assistance Program

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Depression: Maybe It's More Than Just the Blues

Depression Can Affect Anyone

May is National Mental Health Awareness Month, and depression is one of the most common conditions that affects our mental health. The National Institute of Mental Health estimates that about 18 million Americans suffer from some form of depressive illness. The economic cost of depression is high, but the cost of human suffering cannot be measured. Depressive illnesses usually interfere with normal functioning not only of those who have the disorder but also those who care about them.

Most individuals with depressive illness do not seek help, although a great majority can be helped. Thanks to years of fruitful research, there are now medications and counseling therapies that have proven to be very successful.

What Is A DEPRESSIVE DISORDER?

A depressive disorder is an illness that involves the body, mood and thoughts. It affects the way a person eats and sleeps, the way one feels about one’s self, and the way one thinks about things. It affects family and personal relationships and the way we do our jobs.

A depressive disorder is not the same as a passing blue mood or a condition that can be “willed or wished away.” Individuals with depressive disorder cannot “pull themselves together.” Without help, the symptoms can last for weeks, months or even years.

Signs of Depression

Not everyone who is depressed experiences every symptom. Some individuals experience a few symptoms, some many. The severity of the symptoms varies with individuals and also varies over time. Some of the more common symptoms include the following:

• a persistent sad, anxious mood
• constant feelings of hopelessness, guilt and worthlessness
• loss of interest in the pleasures and activities once enjoyed
• a decrease in energy
• persistent fatigue
• changes in sleeping and eating patterns
• thoughts of death or suicide can occur

Getting Help

Like any other medical condition, meeting with your family doctor is an important first step. Remember also, a confidential call to the LIFELINE Employee Assistance Program can be an important path to feeling better. You can call the LIFELINE program at 800-284-7575 24 hours a day. Visit www.LifeLineEAP.com to learn more about depression.

For questions or concerns about the LIFELINE program, contact the LIFELINE program administrator at 785-296-4304.