When Depression
Strike Deck
With Positive Action
NEWARK, Del. Everyone has
a bad day now and then, a
discouraging day when nothing
seems to go right. Most people
bounce back from such down
moods, but for others depression is
an ongoing, self-destructive,
downward spiral which becomes
increasingly hard to overcome.
One of the world’s oldest
ailments, depression has been
called the common cold of mental
illness. Knowing its symptoms
may help save a life your own or
someone else’s.
Farmers and their families are
as vulnerable as anyone to attacks
of depression, says University of
Delaware extension family
specialist Dr. Patricia Tanner
Nelson, especially during times of
crisis. Feelings of hopelessness
and despair are often triggered by
some personal loss, such as
divorce, death of a loved one, loss
of a job or failure of a crop.
How can you tell if you or
someone else is depressed?
Symptoms vary with the in
dividual, Nelson says. Some people
have many, others only a few.
Here are some of the indicators;
• Unhappy appearance sad face,
slow movements, unkept look;
• Guilt and low self-esteem “It’s
my fault things aren’t going right,
I should be punished, I am a
failure, Nobody cares about me”;
• Less than normal activity
“Doing anything is too much ef
fort”;
• Difficulty concentrating;
• Withdrawl from other people;
• Stress-related physical problems
difficulty sleeping, weight loss
or gain, decreased sexual interest,
headaches;
• Suicidal thoughts “I'd be
better off dead; I wonder if it hurts
to die.”
People who have learned to cope
with depression know that when
they start to feel emotionally down
it’s time to take positive action.
“Depression is often relieved by
participation in planned ac
tivities,” the family specialist
says. “When you’re depressed,
become involved in church func
tions, daily farm chores, Grange or
other meetings even if you don’t
feel like it. Get busy doing things
you usually enjoy. Stay in touch
with family and friends. Fight the
physical slowdown of depression
by exercising. Take a walk, jog,
bowl. Exercise is a safe way to
release the turbulant feelings that
often accompany depression. Keep
your energy level high by eating a
balanced diet. Read self-help
articles and books to understand
Franklin Co, 4-H’ers Host New Yorkers
CHAMBERSBUEG - Twenty
six families in Franklin County
hosted 4-H’ers from Canandaiqua,
N.Y., this week as part of a two
year exchange program.
Robert Kessler, Franklin County
4-H agent, said the 24 4-H’ers and
three chaperones arrived from
New York on Monday evening and
were hosted at a covered dish
supper. After a free day on
Tuesday, the group visited
Washington, D.C. Wednesday to
leam more about our nation's
Capital.
The group also enjoyed the rides
Hite
the emotions you’re feeling. ”
Important as these efforts are,
they may not always be enough to
fight your way up from the depths
of depression. At times you may
need assistance.
“If you experience severe mood
swings, feel your life is getting out
of control, or are contemplating
suicide, seek help,” Nelson says.
“Also seek help if you suspect your
depression is related to other
problems that require professional
aid or think you would feel better if
you talked with an experienced
counselor. To find help, ask your
doctor, a trusted nurse, your
pastor or a close friend to
recommend a good therapist. Or
contact a mental health center,
usually listed in the phone book
under mental health services.
What if someone close to you is
depressed? How can you help?
“Depressed people can by very
difficult to be around,” says
Nelson. “Yet they need more than
the usual amount of understanding
and support from friends and
family.”
People who are depressed
sometimes treat those close to
them with disturbing anger and
lack of concern. Because they feel
unworthy, they may question the
sincerity of others. Some withdraw
to the point where it’s virtually
impossible to include them in
activities that would help them feel
happier or more hopeful.
Nelson says one of the best ways
to help a depressed friend or
relative is to simply be available.
Let the person know you care and
are concerned. Be a good listener.
Don’t pressure the person to “Snap
out of it” or “Put on a happy face.”
Don’t claim to know exactly how
the person feels, but if you’ve had a
similar experience consider
sharing that. It might help. Urge
the depressed person to seek
professional counsel.
Be alert for hints or threats of
suicide. If you think suicide is an
immediate possibility, don’t leave
the person. Contact a mental
health professional for help im
mediately.
Mild depression is common, and
is usually of short duration.
Chronic depression, on the other
hand, feeds on itself, dragging
down the sufferer. Once
recognized, however, there are
effective ways to combat it.
For a happier, more productive
life, Nelson urges farmers and
their families to be aware of the
symptoms of depression and to
take positive action against it.
at Hershey Park, and many of the
families visited the Amish area in
Lancaster County. Saturday
evening, the group will enjoy a
chicken barbecue and covered dish
supper and music by “Blue
Jeans.” The New Yorkers will visit
the Battlefield at Gettysburg
Sunday before returning home.
This is the second year of the
two-year exchange program.
Franklin County 4-H’ers visited the
Canandaiqua area last year to
leam about their culture and how
their 4-H program operates.
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