As Americans, we strive to maintain wellness and to create a balance of body and mind. A healthy diet, exercise, and regular visits to a physician help to maintain that balance; however, we often overlook our emotional well being.

The death of a loved one, retirement, the ending of a relationship, or adjusting to a new environment, are all difficult experiences to endure. It is normal for feelings of sadness or grief to develop in response to such stressful situations. Adults experiencing these feelings often describe themselves as sad or depressed, but sadness and depression are not the same.

While feelings of sadness will lessen with time, depression can last for months, even years if not treated.

Depression has a variety of symptoms, but the most common is a deep feeling of sadness that does not lessen or decrease with time.

People with depression may feel tired, listless, hopeless, helpless and generally overwhelmed by life. Depression may be diagnosed if a person experiences persistent feelings of sadness/anxiety; or loss of interest in activities that were once pleasurable. Additional symptoms to look for include any of the following that last for two weeks or more:

• Change in appetite
• Insomnia or oversleeping
• Loss of energy
• Restlessness
• Irritability
• Feelings of worthlessness
• Thoughts of death

The good news is that depression is treatable. Before a specific treatment is recommended, a psychiatrist conducts a thorough diagnostic evaluation consisting of an interview and a physical examination. The purpose of the exam is to reveal specific symptoms, medical and family history, and environmental causes of stress. This information is used to arrive at a proper diagnosis and to determine the best course of treatment.

The good news is that suffering caused by depression does not have to be "accepted." With proper psychotherapy, medication or both, most people return to their normal happy selves!

If you or your loved one is experiencing these symptoms, call The Behavioral Medicine Center at DePaul Medical Center, or Mary Immaculate's Partial Hospitalization Program. Bon Secours has programs designed specifically for older adults who suffer from depression and other emotional disorders. You can schedule an evaluation by calling 889-4300 Southside, or 886-6807 on the Peninsula.