Western Courier

Issue date: 10/2/06 Section: Opinion

Media Credit: April Cowgur

Depression isn't real. Being sad sometimes is normal, but that doesn't mean there's anything wrong with you. Snap out of it, listen to some happy music and move on.

Have you ever heard something similar to this? Most people have. Even with undeniable medical evidence and startling suicide rates, some people remain adamant that depression is largely over-diagnosed and not a "real" problem.

Hearing these things should make you angry. If you've ever been depressed or have known anyone who is depressed, you know it is real. A person with depression may become withdrawn, inconsolable, fatigued or even physically ill; in essence, depression causes a dramatic change in personality and mood. In severe cases, someone with depression may even take his or her own life.

Depression is not always a lifelong affliction. In most cases, a person will experience a few depressive episodes: periods of a few weeks or more in which time a person demonstrates symptoms of depression. These can be triggered by a difficult life event, change in weather, chemical imbalance or seemingly nothing at all.

According to the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance, research has identified two major types of depression; major depressive disorder and dysthymia. People with major depressive disorder have had at least one major depressive episode and may be prone to reoccurrences.

Dysthymia is a little harder to diagnose; it is a chronic, moderate form of depression. Symptoms include poor appetite or overeating, insomia or oversleeping, and low energy. Many people with dysthymia may not know they have it because it does not greatly impair functioning, but rather negatively effects nearly every aspect of life in less noticeable ways.

National Depression Screening Day is Oct. 5. On this day, organizations across the country offer free screenings to those who feel they may be suffering from depression. The Western Illinois University Counseling Center will be offering these screenings on Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

It is important to get screened for depression if you think there is a chance you may be afflicted. Left untreated or ignored, even minor depression frequently worsens and can lead to major depressive episodes and - in the worst cases - suicide.

Many are afraid to admit they may have depression for fear of being treated differently or labeled as "disturbed." Even worse, some fear their condition will be downplayed or ignored by people who don't believe it exists.

Wake up, folks. Suicides happen every day, and it's not because there isn't anything good on TV. Depression is real. Still disagree? Snap out of it.

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