How to spot a depressed person

MANILA, Philippines - Although people would waste no time poking fun at Marikina’s eyeliner-shaded, hands-gesturing emo youth, the notion of depression is serious talk for it can lead to suicide, or even worse, a culture that glamorizes it.

It was fitting then for the speakers to quote and re-quote renowned psychotherapist Virginia Satir during their respective talks in UP Diliman: “Problems are not the problem; coping is the problem.” As the flurry of PowerPoint slides got their points across, the message became loud and clear: depression itself is a concern but not nearly as important as coping with it. Spotting the symptoms of depression early on can make all the difference, especially in a country that has been known to have the highest incidences of depression in Southeast Asia.

In observance of the World Suicide Prevention Day, a three-part talk was held at UP Diliman’s Palma Hall last month not to preach but to enlighten teenagers and adults alike on the prevention of depression through various coping mechanisms.

And no better way to kick things off than with a fun run at the U.P. Academic Oval at 6 a.m. Participants were encouraged to “walk their blues away” as a way to promote physical fitness as a way towards total wellness. Three talks came right after but what struck me the most was the second one entitled “Conquering Our Low Moods: Creating Natural Highs in Life” by Dr. Jerry Jurisprudencia. His passion for the cause translated into a lighthearted yet gripping talk about the issue.

“These symptoms of depression are not things that hang in the air; these are visible things,” begins Dr. Jurisprudencia. And while scientists believe there are genetic factors that influence who will develop what sort of illness, difficult life experiences and personal pessimistic patterns can also contribute to this disorder.

UP Diliman students attended the talks in droves to know more about this advocacy for depression.

According to Dr. Jurisprudencia and the Natasha Goulbourn Foundation, a depressed person can exhibit the following symptoms, something his or her support group must be able to recognize:

1. Persistent sad, anxious or empty mood.

2. Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, hopelessness and pessimism.

3. Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies or activities that were once enjoyed.

4. Decreased energy, fatigue, feeling slowed down.

5. Difficulty concentrating, remembering, making decisions.

6. Changes in sleep patterns: insomnia, early morning waking or oversleeping.

7. Appetite and weight changes.

8. Thoughts of death or suicide, or suicide attempts.

9. Restlessness and irritability.

10.Persistent physical symptoms that do not respond to treatment, such as headaches, digestive disorders or chronic pain.

The World Federation of Mental Health maintains that if you, or someone you know, are experiencing five or more of these symptoms over a period of two weeks or longer, depression is likely to develop. It is important then to talk with a healthcare provider and get looked at.

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Visit the Natasha Goulbourn Foundation at http://www.ngf-hope.org for more information on depression and how to curb it.