“Depression is common. Millions of people suffer from depression each year. What is depression? It’s a mental illness that affects the mind and the body. Symptoms of depression vary from person to person. They may include:

Different feelings
These may include:

• Feeling empty
• Inability to enjoy anything
• Hopelessness
• Loss of sexual desire
• Loss of warm feelings for family and friends
• Feelings of self-blame or guilt
• Loss of self-esteem
• Suicidal thoughts or actions.

Changes in behavior and attitude
These may include:

• General slowing down
• Neglect of responsibilities and appearance
• Poor memory
• Inability to concentrate
• Irritability.

Physical complaints
These may include:

• Sleep disturbances, such as early morning waking, sleeping too much, insomnia
• Lack of energy
• Loss of appetite or weight gain
• Unexplained headaches or backaches
• Stomachaches, indigestion or changes in bowel habits.

Don’t ignore signs of depression. Get help!

Take action if you or someone you know has symptoms of depression.
See a health-care provider for a complete checkup. Discuss symptoms. Follow up on any referrals or recommendations.
Talk things over with a friend. Discuss specific problems fully with the people involved, if possible.
Don’t expect too much of yourself -- avoid setting difficult goals or taking on too much responsibility.
Take a break for a favorite activity, an evening out, a visit, etc.
Get some exercise to help you relax and sleep better. Consult a health-care provider before starting an exercise program.
Avoid extra stress or big changes. They can create stress.

Learn about depression.
Understand the facts about depression -- its causes, types and treatments.
Recognize the symptoms of depression.
Get professional help if you experience symptoms of depression” (Depression -- There’s hope and help booklet, 1999, Channing L. Bete Co., Inc.).

As Director of Options for Healthy Living, Estes Park’s Community-Based Wellness Program, I hope you will review this information and take action for yourself, a loved one or an acquaintance. If I can be of any assistance please feel free to call, Kay Rosenthal PhD, RN.

Kay Rosenthal PhD, RN can be reached at 970-586-3472 to schedule an Options for Healthy Living appointment or to sign up for therapeutic riding at “Miracle Mount”, Estes Park Therapeutic Riding Center. Sessions start August 15, 2002. For more information check out the link for Estes Park Therapeutic Riding. Or, email me at EPLTR@aol.com Subject: Options. Or contact me directly through this web site.