I am in recovery from bipolar disorder II (hypomania), which a part of it is depression. Clinical depression is a medical illness. It is a psychiatric medical disease and when left untreated, can lead to extremely negative outcomes, such as suicide or worse.
Depression is different from the occasional "blues". Daily life pains are something every rational person manages. Clinical depression is NOT that. Depression symptoms last a long time (~2 weeks or longer). People can become depressed for hardly any reason at all, but usually there is an onset or "the straw that broke the camel's back". A depressed person may function normally for months, and then when a major stressor occurs, that is when one and caregivers need to realize the drop. A depressed person usually does not get out of bed, but unable to sleep, uninterested in activities that s/he use to find enjoyable. The depressed person often says extremely negative comments, and personalizes simple comments with inaccurate perceptions, such as someone could just say "BOO", and the depressed person becomes extremely angry or sad, then completely shuts down rational faculties. And the behavior is occurs over a consistent period of time. It is similar to an adult temper tantrum but there is no time out...
What can be done: Both the depressed person and the caregivers need resources and support. The depressed person has to come to a realization that s/he needs assistance and seek that assistance. The caregiver cannot force someone who is not harming others or her/himself. The only way a clinically depressed person can be arrested, is under those condition and even those laws still are enacted by a judge who might have psychiatric evaluation and there MIGHT be care. It is easier when the depressed person is under 18 years old. But that says nothing about the cultural competency and the understanding where the psychological problems are derived. A psychiatrist, who is a physician, has the medical expertise enough to diagnose depression. The other clinicians can treat depression and are useful for specific tasks.
The other clinicians are:
- Psychiatrists
- Psychiatric nurses ARNP
- Clinical Psychologist - that studies human behaviors & their evolution, they treat based on theories on the basis thoughts
- Social Workers - generally includes Master's Level MSW, LiCSW, LCSW, etc. They are on the therapy frontlines, the first line of defense. Most HMO's will require clients to work with them
Other people can be found in the book by Terrie Williams, "Black Pain".
For caregivers: DO NOT CONVINCE your ADULT depressed loved one that they MUST see someone. Why get into a The time to get involved is when s/he intends to harm others or her/himself. Intended harm to oneself means there is a "PLAN OF ACTION"--such as, all the majority depression symptoms as previously described. There are more depression symptoms on WebMD. Also when s/he says "I'm so stupid, I can't get anything right. Do you have any pills to help me sleep?" Or s/he says "I need some razor blades" Or s/he says "If only I could use my gun or maybe I can jump off this bridge". IF YOU HEAR THOSE COMMENTS OR SIMILAR, THE DEPRESSED PERSON IS IN CRISIS AND YOU NEED TO CALL 9-1-1 AND 1-800-SUICIDE!!! LET THE LICENSED PROFESSIONAL HANDLE THE BEHAVIOR AND MAKE THE DIAGNOSIS!!!
Usually, the untreated depressed person is disheveled, her/his eating behavior is off--i.e. late at night snacking with all the ice cream, pickles and 5 Cokes! Or such as, the caregiver attempts to go out with the depressed person, but s/he cannot get her/him to do anything or go anywhere. All s/he can manage to do is sleep or stay in bed. This goes on for weeks. When the caregiver gets up in the morning, and the depressed person slogs in with a "grrr" that is illogical, that is NOT right!!! Remember it is timing also, 1-2 days during a stress-filled time (lost job, lack money, a break up)--well, maybe I would make simple evaluation type comments with love (always), and if the depressed person flies off the handle, then, the caregiver may request assistance, etc...
Caregivers need to consider finding their own support and resources to help them on how to love this sick person, just like other chronic illness, and to improve communication with the depressed person. It is NOT a matter of "snapping out of it" or "questioning why s/he feels bad". The caregivers are often untrained in psychiatry, how can a caregiver speak to his/her depressed loved one until there are resources & support. It is NEVER about the caregiver or his/her loving skills... The clinically depressed person's brain is sick and requires medication, treatment and therapy to work through this condition...
Just like diabetes or high blood pressure, lifestyle changes must be enacted to reach a recovery. There will be slip ups and falling off the horse. But both the clinically depressed person and caregivers need to be patient with the process. Join groups that will support the values of both the depressed person and caregiver, such as Sistah Mental Health & Wellness - online social media resource support groups for African American women who suffer mental illnesses.
Sistah Mental Health & Wellness is private, secure and confidential social media. There is a screening and a membership process for a nominal fee. We would enjoy your presence for the embrace--because you are not alone.
My comments are to help others avoid the pitfalls I faced during my path to recovery. There are several other websites that promote resources and support. But, there is little in the way of cultural competency that my business presents! If you are not in crisis and require a consult, please visit my other website: GYM Right Health/Wellness Coaching and events.
Take care of yourself, and "if you don't have your health, what do you have?"
Dr. Gina M.-S.
Founding Member & President
The Ariafya Universe
