Coping with Depression:
Take Action to Feel Better
By Barbara K. Campbell, MSW, ACSW, LSW
Emotional well-being can be a challenge for anyone who has to cope with physical illness. How an illness affects independence, family life, ability to work and finances becomes nearly as important as the physical symptoms or treatment of the illness. Poor physical health and the worries that go with having any chronic illness including chronic kidney disease (CKD) can cause depression.
Depression is not just feeling down in the dumps or blue now and again. It is a real medical disorder that affects not only mood but thoughts, feelings, physical health and behavior. It is common for people who have a chronic illness, such as CKD, to experience depression. It is not a sign of weakness, nor is it something to “snap out of” through will power. Understanding more about depression may be helpful in overcoming it. Here are some facts and figures that show how common depression is:
- Depression is the leading cause of disability in the United States1
- Depression is now the leading cause of disability in the world2
- Chronic illness increases one’s chance for depression3
- Depression is treatable and most people who are treated show improvement3
When untreated, depression can cause unnecessary pain and suffering for the individual and his or her family. Depression can impact one’s ability or desire to engage in normal activities and enjoy life. Symptoms can last for weeks, months or even years. Learning about the signs and symptoms of depression is important. Here are some things to look for, especially if they have occurred nearly every day for at least two weeks:
- Feeling sad or empty most of the day
- Loss of interest or pleasure in life
- Difficulty concentrating or inability to make decisions
- Feeling worthless
- Thoughts of suicide
It can be useful to talk to family members or friends to see if they have noticed mood or behavior changes that you may not be aware of. Mental health professionals can help find ways to better cope with life's challenges. There are important things people can do to help themselves when facing depression.
If you think you may be depressed, understand that depression is treatable. Talk to your doctor or a mental health professional about your concerns to see if you could benefit from treatment for depression. Treatment options may include prescription antidepressant medication and counseling with a mental health professional in your community. You can regain feelings of emotional well-being. Taking action is a necessary first step toward feeling better.
How to Help Yourself if You are Depressed*
Depressive disorders may make one feel exhausted, worthless, helpless and hopeless. Such negative thoughts and feelings make some people feel like giving up. It is important to realize that these negative views are part of the depression and typically do not accurately reflect the actual circumstances. Negative thinking fades as treatment begins to take effect. Some things you can do include:
- Set realistic goals in light of the depression and assume a reasonable amount of responsibility
- Break large tasks into small ones, setting priorities and doing what you can as you can
- Try to be with other people and to confide in someone; it is usually better than being along and isolated
- Participate in activities that make you feel better
- Exercise, go to a movie, a ballgame, or participate in religious, social or other activities
- Expect your mood to improve gradually, not immediately; feeling better takes time
*Taken from Depression, a 2002 brochure from the National Institute of Mental Health
- US Department of Health and Human Services. Mental Health: A Report of the Surgeon General Executive Summary. Rockville, MD: US Department of Health and Human Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Center for Mental Health Services, National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Mental Health, 1999.
- World Health Organization Web site. The World Health Report 2001/Mental Health: New Understanding, New Hope. [Message from the Director-General]. Retrieved from www.who.int/ whr/2001/dj_message/en
- US Department of Health and Human Services. Fact Sheet: Depression Co-Occurring with General Medical Disorders. Bethesda, MD. National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Mental Health. 1999.
