Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: SUNDAY, June 4, 1995                   TAG: 9506050006
SECTION: CURRENT                    PAGE: NRV-2   EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

THERE IS HELP FOR THOSE WHO ARE DEPRESSED

Over 30 percent of the households in the New River Valley rated stress, anxiety or depression as a major or moderate problem in a recent assessment of health and human services needs by the New River Planning District Commission. This translates into 17,481 homes in the valley.

Although this may not seem like a startling statistic, to those who work in human or social services this report documents what we have known for a long time: job uncertainty, increased workloads, unemployment, poverty, divorce, single parenthood - they all take their toll. Everyone knows someone who could use help coping with their job, family problems or everyday stress.

Worse yet, nearly everyone knows someone who meets the diagnostic criteria for what is termed "clinical depression." Clinical depression is more than just sad feelings or "the blues" - it is a serious medical condition that is experienced by at least 11 million people each year. Clinical depression affects the total person - body, feelings, thoughts and behaviors. Symptoms include:

A persistent sadness, irritability or "empty" mood.

Loss of interest or pleasure in activities that used to be enjoyed.

A change in appetite or weight.

Sleep disturbances, such as trouble falling asleep, waking up too early or oversleeping.

Feelings of guilt, lack of self-worth or helplessness.

Decreased ability to concentrate.

Fatigue, loss of energy, restlessness or slowed activity.

Thoughts about life not being worthwhile or about suicide or death.

The good news is that depression is treatable. Over 80 percent of people suffering from clinical depression can be treated quickly and effectively. The key is to recognize the symptoms of depression early and to receive appropriate treatment. Many sources of treatment are available in the New River Valley, for people of all ages and financial brackets. Treatment for depression consists of some combination of medication for symptom alleviation and psychotherapy (talk therapy) to enhance understanding and coping. A complete examination by a doctor or mental health specialist is necessary to make a correct diagnosis. A thorough medical exam is recommended to rule out other medical conditions.

The Mental Health Association is responding to the need for education by sponsoring presentations to businesses and community groups. A new program called "Downtime" is being presented to area business managers and supervisors, to teach them how to identify clinical depression among employees, and how to respond if they do.

Another program, "Claire's Story - A Child's Perspective on Childhood Depression" is being presented around the New River Valley to parents and educators in conjunction with the schools' Parent Resource Centers. Educational programs on clinical depression spotlighting the elderly and teens are planned for the coming year.

To receive more information about depression and its treatment, call the association's Christiansburg office at 382-5629 or (800)559-2800, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. weekdays. Free presentations can be made to businesses or organizations. The association also has books and videos to lend.

Amy Forsyth-Stephens, executive director of the Mental Health Association of the New River Valley, has a master's degree in social work from Florida State University. She lives in Blacksburg with her husband, a psychology professor at Virginia Tech, and two daughters.