Understanding Depression
What it is?
Depression is a common mental illness that affects nearly 10 percent of the
people in the United States. It is a treatable, medical condition - not a
personal weakness. Everybody at one point or another in their lives,
experience sadness, or the "blues" as a reaction to loss, grief, or an
emotionally upsetting incident.
What are the causes?
Depression can be caused by one specific incident or a combination of
factors. Grief over the loss of a loved one, a major life change, physical
or emotional harm by another person, a physical injury, illness, or even
side effects of medication could cause depression. Depression can also be
caused by changes in the brain, and in many instances is hereditary.
Depression often runs in families.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms of depression may include sadness, hopelessness, irritability,
feelings of guilt, crying spells, sleep and eating disturbances, a negative
self-image, the inability to feel joy, changes in body weight, decrease in
energy or sexual interest, headaches, and thoughts of suicide. Depression
may include other symptoms not listed here. Do not blame yourself for the
symptoms of depression, and do not permit them to grow worse. Instead, seek
help.
Myths
There are many myths about depression. These include the beliefs that
depression is a sign of personal weakness and that you are hopeless, crazy,
or even to be able "just snap out of it." It is also a myth that depression
causes alcoholism or other drug addictions. Addictive diseases are primary
illnesses, which mean they are not secondary or caused by other medical
conditions. It is possible to have both diagnoses at the same time. This is
called a "dual-diagnosis."
Can Depression be treated?
Depression may be treated with or without medication, with individual or
group counseling, diet, exercise, or other types of interventions including
alternative therapies. Regardless of the approach taken, it is important to
have depression evaluated by a medical doctor, preferably a psychiatrist.
Thoughts of suicide warrant the immediate need for medical help.
What the AFA EAP Can Do
Your AFA EAP peer representative can also help you find medical help for
further evaluation and treatment in accordance with our health insurance
plan. AFA EAP can help you locate other resources, as well, many locally.
Later, your AFA EAP committee can provide follow-up and support. Remember
that all contact and discussions with all AFA EAP committee members are
confidential. Information only released in accordance with federal and state
confidentiality guidelines.
"Flight Attendants
Helping Flight Attendants"
