CONTINUED FROM PAGE 37 challenging when alcohol or other drug use is involved. In those instances where your support is not well-received, please remember that symptoms associated with depression are painful and not to take any negative interaction personally.” With children, it’s less likely for them to be aware that they are depressed, so it’s critical that parents are made aware of their child’s condition and the potential impact it may have on social and family relationships, academic performance and risky behaviors. “Often with this knowledge, parents are more willing to reach out for assistance,” he said. Medication and psychotherapy are the two most common treatments for depression, and are often combined, especially when the symptoms are more severe. Sometimes people are reluctant to seek treatment because they’re afraid of what others may say or think of them. “In some areas, there continues to be a perception that willpower is all that is necessary to ‘snap out’ of a psychiatric illness,” Runyan said. “The research clearly indicates that is not true with clinical depression or virtually any other psychiatric condition. Fortunately, there is a better understanding of this now than ever before. It will continue to take time for this stigma to disappear.” In order to help dispel some of the negative attitudes regarding treatment for depression, the staff at Rivendell works with patients to educate them about the nature of depression. “Additionally, we teach our patients how to manage mental health with sleeping, eating, exercising and eliminating alcohol (or other drug use) in order to create a life worth living,” he said.
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Depression risk factors
“Many researchers believe depression is caused by chemical changes in the brain,” Rivendell Behavioral Health chief executive officer Duane Runyan, PhD, MBA, said. “This may be due to stressful events or to genetic factors (e.g., a family history of depression). More than likely, it is a combination of both.”
Reducing the risks
While much depends on the specific risk factors, patients who have a strong family history for depression should try the following to reduce the likelihood of depression: ■ Be aware of healthy habits with eating and sleeping ■ Exercise regularly ■ Maintain positive social relationships ■ Avoid using alcohol and other drugs
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