ECONOMIC TIMES CAN LEAD TO DEPRESSION

There’s no denying that America is facing a financial crisis. With people losing their jobs, homes and seeing their savings and stock portfolios dwindle, it’s no wonder that many are depressed.

“Anxiety levels also tend to run high when there are financial worries,” says Kathy Forson, RN, BSN, MBA/HCM, executive director of St. John’s Hospital Behavioral Health Services. “Anxiety can be a symptom of depression, especially if it gets to the point of excessive worry and the inability to turn your thoughts off.”

The majority of people who suffer from depression can be helped with medication, therapy or a combination of the two, but unfortunately, fewer than half of them seek treatment.

“People are getting better about talking about depression, but there is still a social stigma about it out there,” says Kathy Shortt, RN, BSN, of St. John’s Depression Management Program, located at the Marian Center. “People are afraid of appearing weak, so they don’t talk to anyone about how badly they are feeling. If someone has diabetes, they take medicine to control their disease. Depression is the same way – it’s a treatable illness, but one that won’t go away without medication and/or therapy.”

Tips for Coping with Economic Crisis Depression

• Be honest with your family. If you are feeling a pinch financially, don’t keep it from your family. Lying and bearing the burden alone will lead to depression and anxiety. Be a calm, supportive influence, but also manage expectations in a truthful manner. Devise a family budget and stick to it.

• Don’t worry excessively about “what if” scenarios. You could drive yourself crazy worrying about the doomsday scenarios that could, technically, occur in the future. But a healthier approach would be to stay positive and focus on the things you can do now to stabilize your financial future.

• Don’t isolate yourself. Depression comes from spending too much time alone with your problems. Remember, there are other people going through the same set of circumstances as you and your family – find ways to seek them out. Spending time with others in your predicament will help you put the situation into better perspective and provide a method for coping with anxiety.

• Lose yourself in positive activities. Finding ways to save money during tough times does not have to be a chore. Try and find engaging ways to cut back – more home-based hobbies, short family car trips, etc. – that will provide memories while still helping you cut back on expenses.

• Focus on people instead of possessions. Relationships cost nothing and can bring the greatest pleasures and rewards.

Symptoms of Depression

• Feeling depressed, sad, hopeless or worthless
• Irritability, easily frustrated or agitated
• Loss of interest or pleasure
• Changes in sleep and/or appetite
• Withdrawing socially or from family
• Decreased energy or fatigue
• Poor concentration or difficulty making decisions
• Thoughts of death or suicide.


How to Get Help

• If you are suicidal, go to the emergency room immediately.

• Call 417-820-7447 to schedule an appointment at St. John’s Marian Center’s evaluation center. If substance abuse is an issue, the Addiction Recovery Center at the Marian Center may be reached at 417-820-2990. Medically assisted detoxification is available.

• Contact your employer’s Employee Assistance Program.

• Outpatient counseling is available through St. John’s Clinic-Behavioral Health’s Lark Street location by calling 417-820-3707 or St. John’s Clinic-Psychology’s location by calling 417-820-9590.

• Call St. John’s Depression Management Program at 417-820-3127.

###

FOR MEDIA INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT ST. JOHN’S MEDIA RELATIONS AT 820-2426 or cora.scott@mercy.net.