Depression: All about getting deep-rest

Hello, Beautiful World!

How has another week gone by already?!? Time is going by way too fast, and I simply don't know what to do about it (maybe it's having too much free time and not much stress). I've been going through a new book almost every day, which means I'm going to bed later and later than normal.

It's been another amazing week at A New Beginning (it's becoming my second-home!) 😊 Before I go ahead and begin talking about this week's mental health issue, I'd like to thank everyone who reads my blog because last week, I was announced blog-of-the-week! I'm so so happy that people are enjoying my topic/project/content so far, and I wanted to let you guys know that I really really appreciate it, and am so grateful for each and every one of you 😘💕.  I'd also like to give a shout-out to four amazing people that mean so much to me: Dr. Anné, Taana, Mr. Chadwick, and my dad. This project would be nothing without the experience and knowledge I'm receiving from my internship at A New Beginning; and my 'week 1' post about anxiety wouldn't have had much substance without my meeting with Taana. I'd like to thank Mr. Chadwick for turning this simple idea into an actual project, and guiding me through it since he became my faculty advisor. Last but not least, thank you to my dad for always being there for me, and showing so much patience. I wouldn't be anything without the support and love he unconditionally gives me (from providing feedback on my posts to paying for the gas to get to my internship 😂). 

                                  

Now, I'll begin with the mental health issue of the week: depression (are my puns getting better or worse?). Once again, I'd like to start off by giving some general statistics on depression (that AP Stats class is becoming very handy, I'm beginning to realize):

• ~7%, or about 16 million, adults in the USA had a major depressive episode in their life in 2015.*
• Major depression reduces the life span of a person, and "accounts for the most years lived with disability of any mental or behavioral disorder."*
• The percentage of Americans taking antidepressants has increased from 6.8 to 12% from 1999 to 2012.*
• By 2020, the global market for depression drugs is predicated to be worth over $16 billion.*

Something that seemed to be of interest to me about these particular statistics was that despite the increase of Americans taking antidepressants as a form of treatment, they were still suffering with depression for a longer time than those with other mental health issues. The question that I came up with is: are antidepressants not truly beneficial in the long-term? If not, then what form of treatment is, and why?

Similar to last week, I conducted a survey and found modern-day media about depression before going in to meet Taana (don't get too comfortable... we'll soon get to meet a different therapist 😉). We started off the discussion by talking about what types of misconceptions patients generally come in with (just kidding... I actually forgot to ask this question during the meeting, and had to email her to ask it; but we'll overlook that tiny detail). Similar to anxiety disorder clients, those with depression also come in feeling shame and guilt that they haven't been able to 'fix' their depression or just 'get over it.' As we talked about this, I began to see a similar thread between the different mental health issues: the guilt, the shame.

From here, we talked more about depression as a disorder, once again using the survey as a basis for the questions: 

Misconceptions:

• Myth: Depression is rare, and only affects people of certain backgrounds, race, and/or gender.
• Truth: Depression is a lot more common than people realize; we can see this simply by looking at how many people get at least one depressive episode during their whole lifespan. In terms of it affecting people of certain backgrounds, races, or gender, depression is fairly universal. However, the statistics do tend to vary among cultures and genders due to whether it is culturally acceptable to report symptoms of depression and receive treatment. The actual incidence of depression is likely much higher than what is reported. 
• Myth: Depression implies a weak character/personality.
• Truth: Depression is very challenging for people to deal with, requiring a lot of strength and energy from a person compared to someone without it. So, instead of weakening one's character/personality, it builds his/her inner strength and courage.  
• Side note: antidepressants do not affect one's character/personality.
• Myth: One can get rid of his/her depression simply by putting a stop to his/her wallowing, and thinking more positively.
• Truth: Absolutely not! Statements like this show that depression is so dangerously misunderstood in our society. It invalidates the person, and makes them feel shame and embarrassment when they can't just "get over it" or control their symptoms through "will power." Myths like this are damaging because they often prevent people from seeking readily available and effective treatment, especially when the myth is put forth by family members, teachers, or friends. 

Some things that can be myths or truths, depending upon the case:

• Although depression can be caused by a negative incident, there are many other causes as well: 
• Genetic pre-disposition (genes for depressive disorders can be passed along just like eye or hair color)
• Hormones (especially in teenagers)
• Side note: symptoms of depression in teenagers are more likely to be irritable mood, isolating behavior, or acting out with risk-taking or angry behavior
• The grief process (feelings of depression are normal for a certain period of time after someone has experienced a loss - which can include loss of a relationship, loss of a job, loss of a goal one has been working toward, loss of lifestyle, in addition to loss of a person one is close to. If one doesn't mourn and process the loss in a healthy way, it can trigger an ongoing depression and/or suicidal thoughts)
• Traumatic events (especially where people feel powerless)
• Emotional trauma (repeated invalidating messages)
• Depression can also result from some medical conditions
• Someone on antidepressants doesn't necessarily have to take them for the rest of his/her life. The length of this form of treatment depends on a variety of factors: type of depression, the severity, what the trigger/cause is, and whether people are willing/able to use the skills taught in therapy.
• Antidepressants are the most common form of treatment because they appear to be a fairly easy solution (one can simply get them from a primary care doctor, making it easier because he/she only has to ask one person and that too in secrecy). In fact, not all medical doctors are specialists in mental health issues; so when people go for the easier route through their primary care physician, they might not be getting the specialized information and care that mental health issues often require. However, medications aren't necessarily the most effective form of treatment, because they only treat the symptoms. With using medication alone, if a person stops taking the medication, their symptoms can return. Medications can also have side-effects that must be weighed with the benefits. Studies have also shown that regular exercise may be just as effective as taking antidepressants. When a person has Major Depression, the best course may be a combination of medication and therapy. However, therapy typically produces the most long-lasting results with fewer relapses. Why psychotherapy? Because it involves a holistic process of looking at everything going on in the person's life and how things may be impacting them, and creates a plan to help the person move forward with healthy behaviors, a healthy relationship with themselves, and healthy relationships with others. It aims to help people get to the root cause(s) of what may be causing the disturbance for them, helps people to face challenges in their lives in a healthy way, and helps to corrects any unhealthy beliefs that may be getting in the way of people reaching their potential. There is even some evidence that the process of therapy helps to re-wire a person’s brain in a healthy way. The reason antidepressants are used more commonly is because often it seems like an easier solution, and people may be (unnecessarily) fearful of the process of therapy because they don’t have enough information about what therapy is like, and/or they feel overwhelmed by their problems and again, feel shame and guilt that they can’t “just fix it” themselves. 
• This answered my original question on the effectiveness of antidepressants in the long-term!
• The most common symptom of depression doesn't always have to be feeling sad. It's just as common for people to feel: numb, flat, unmotivated, and tired. Also, some may feel unable to find pleasure, even in things they used to like. That being said, others may certainly feel more tearfulness and sadness. Sometimes, people have thoughts that life is not worth living or that they would be better off not living anymore. This is the most serious and dangerous symptom of depression, and is a big red flag that the person needs the help of a mental health specialist IMMEDIATELY. 

From here, we moved onto the portrayal of depression in media. Although I had hoped to discuss four movies/books (13 Reasons Why, Big Hero 6, Inside Out, and Frozen), I could only analyze two of them with the therapists as they hadn't seen/read some of the other examples. If you guys have seen/read anything else that you thing portrays depression accurately/inaccurately, let me know in the comments please!

• Frozen:
• Scene: When Elsa feels trapped by the family, and is secluded in her room for many years (also, Anna's rejection from Elsa in terms of their sisterly bond)
• Yes, this does accurately portray depression. However, the reengagement between the two sisters later in the movie isn't natural.

• Inside Out:
• Scene: When the family relocates to San Francisco, Riley feels very sad, alone, insecure, and unhappy. 
• This is yet another accurate scene from Disney! Apparently, Inside Out really hits all the details (you'll definitely see more references to this movie)! 👍

In terms of where these misconceptions stem from, the answer is still the cultural shame and the social stigmas. People don't have accurate information because of the limited ways for the right information to be spread. Mental health issues are not an open topic. Not talked about. People don't ask questions because of the guilt and shame they feel. They're too afraid to ask and get accurate information. Because of all of the misinformation (such as the statements I previously discussed), family members can be rude, and also, people can be their own, harshest critics. To combat this situation, we need more public health campaigns, allowing mental health issues to be more widely and openly addressed in our culture. 

Sorry, I know this post is getting a bit long, but I wanted to talk a little bit more about my on-site experience as an example of the social stigmas we can even unconsciously hold. Although no notable changes have occurred in my plans for my project, there has been an ongoing experience that has surprised me while being onsite. I'd like to provide some background before I begin on what I do exactly on the typical, on-site day. For the most part, I help Jessica at the front desk, attending to client calls, collecting payment, and making appointments. I also make files/folders for new clients, and organize/print out any paperwork or fliers that will be necessary. Here are some pictures of A New Beginning, making it easier for you guys to visualize the environment:

The super, calming front lobby (p.s. the chairs are too soft to be real)

Oh look! You can see the front desk (unfortunately, you can't see me sitting there as I usually do) 😆

Spending time at the front desk, I got to interact with a lot of the clients, and in doing so, my whole point-of-view on mental health issues changed. Everyone who comes in looks so normal, and I'd never have thought they were struggling with a disorder. This shocked me because I didn't realize that I myself held such shallow stereotypes and misconceptions in mind. But, after this experience, I'm beginning to see that everyone is only human, and everyone truly has their own story. Their own problems. I know that probably sounds cliched, but it was so eye-opening. I'm so grateful for this experience, not only for making a great project, but for teaching me a lot about how I see others. 

I hope you guys like my Week 2 post! Thank you all for following me on this journey, and showing me so much support!

Lots of love 💗,

--Saleena 

Sources:

*Psychologists Think They Found The Purpose Of Depression (2017, February). Retrieved February 14, 2017, from http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/psychologists-think-they-found-the-purpose-of-depression_us_589e58a8e4b080bf74f03c45