Wendel Abel - I AM WHAT I THINKAnswering readers' questions
A number of readers have asked questions on depression. In this article I shall attempt to answer some of them.
"My mother has had a lot of family members who have died in the past couple of years. This has affected her. She constantly yells at my sister and she is always causing arguments with my father".
Response: Having had so many family members who have died it is likely that your mother is grieving. Grieving is often associated with depression. Grieving is a normal reaction to loss and on an average last up to two years. Many persons however grieve for a life time. Common symptoms which occur in depression include irritability and the yelling and tendency to be involved in arguments may suggest that your mother is experiencing some symptoms of depression. I would advise that your mother sees a doctor to have a proper evaluation.
"I experience problems of feeling down. When I feel down I feel like a wilted callaloo. I can't do my work. I can't remember things. Since I have had my baby I have put on 40 pounds. I am unhappy about my weight. I also find I can't remember things".
Response: The sad feelings, feeling down, difficulty concentrating or remembering things are common features of depression. This reader's depression may be related to pregnancy and the subsequent birth of the baby. Many women become depress around their periods, during pregnancy and after the birth of a child. This suggests that depression may be related to hormonal changes occurring in the body. When depression occurs after the birth of a child, it is called post-partum depression. Women who develop post-partum depression often find it difficult to take care of their child. They may also become irritable and easily annoyed by the cries of the baby. In some cases post-partum depression may lead to abuse of the infant.
Most persons who are depressed often experience a loss of appetite and weight loss. However, some persons tend to experience an increase in appetite and weight gain when they are depressed. Again this reader is encouraged to see her family doctor.
"I have a 12-year-old son. Since the break up of my marriage he has become very hyperactive and rude. He has started to wet the bed again and there is a fall off in his performance at school. His teacher complains constantly about his behaviour. Could he be depressed?"
Response: It is possible that your son may be depressed. Children do become depressed. Unfortunately, depression in children is often missed because they are not able to readily communicate their feelings. Your son is experiencing some of the typical features of depression. When children are depressed they may display a change in behaviour the child who was quiet and well behaved may become hyperactive, noisy and rude.
Children who are depressed may also show a change in school performance. Other children may display regressive behaviour such as bed wetting and thumb sucking. Children are very sensitive to changes in their lives and common changes such as family quarrels, parental separation and divorce, change of residence and the death of a family member are common experiences that may lead to depression in children. Have your child evaluated by a child psychiatrist or be seen at a child guidance clinic.
"I suspect that my husband may be depressed. He has become moody. He snaps at me. He used to enjoy playing football and he has lost interest in this. I notice he has started to drink a lot. He is no longer interested in sex. He is very reluctant to see a doctor. I find that I get irritable with him and he accuses me of nagging him."
Response: Your husband is experiencing some of the common symptoms of depression. Many persons who are suffering from depression lose interest in doing things that they previously enjoyed? Loss of interest in sex is also a common symptom of depression and may create problems in relationships as one party may accuse the other of cheating. Many persons who are depressed turn to alcohol or other drugs to self medicate the symptoms of depression. Many men who are depressed will not readily seek treatment and they end up in the bar using alcohol to medicate these symptoms. Be supportive of your husband. Remember when persons are depressed they are irritable and very sensitive to talking. Encourage him to see a doctor.
Dr. Wendel Abel is a Consultant Psychiatrist and Senior Lecturer, University of the West Indies; email: yourhealth@gleanerjm.com.
