Depression: What’s the hook?

When we teach the Powerful Tools for Caregivers class, one of the assignments for caregivers is to make an action plan to do something they enjoy each week.  Sometimes when we care for others, particularly in long-term caregiving situations, we can “lose ourselves” in the process.  The focus is so much about the other person that slowly parts of us erode away.  One of my colleagues tells about a caregiver who had “lost herself” for so long that she could not even remember anything that she enjoyed.  My colleague prompted the participant, “Did you ever do any crafts?  Sewing, knitting, crochet?”  As it turned out, the woman used to enjoy crocheting.  The instructor asked her to use crocheting as her action plan for enjoyment.  The woman balked.  She didn’t think she could do that.  In a stroke of inspiration, the teacher said, “Do you think you can either find or buy a crochet hook sometime this week?”  Sometimes, you just have to start somewhere.  

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As it turned out the caregiver found her crochet hook, and with it she found some skeins of yarn.  Eventually she found a few minutes to start crocheting.  Before she knew it, she was taking a bag of crocheting supplies with her to her husband’s medical appointments.  She still enjoyed crocheting!  When she found the crochet hook, she started to find a little part of herself that she had lost along the way.  

Sometimes depression can be a slow losing of yourself or a lack of joy and enjoyment. I have been reading about depression and one author suggested finding four things you can enjoy each day.  I think of the woman and the crochet hook.  When you are truly depressed, finding one thing may seem daunting.  A booklet from the National Institute of Health, explains that depression affects different people in different ways.  Depression is a real illness that is treatable.  And, if you have depression, you are not alone.  According to a Center for Disease Control site, during 2009–2012, 7.6% of Americans aged 12 and over had depression (moderate or severe depressive symptoms in the past 2 weeks). Depression was more prevalent among females and persons aged 40–59.

Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities is just one of the signs of depression.  A persistent sad or empty feeling, along with feelings of guilt, worthlessness and helplessness can be signs of depression.  Decreased energy and difficulty concentrating or sleeping are also symptoms and are worthy to note, particularly when these symptoms stretch out over several weeks.  Depression not only affects mood, but also cognitive abilities and can manifest in physical symptoms.  

There are many components that play a factor in depression, as well as multiple types of depression.  Depression can be different throughout the lifespan.  While there is much to study and learn about depression, one of the most important things to know is that depression is treatable.  The treatments may be as varied as the individuals who have depression.  I met a person once who even used an app on his phone to assist his mental health.  More commonly, though, treatment for depression includes medication or one of several types of therapies, or a combination of medication and mental health counseling therapies.

If you feel you have been dealing with depression, be sure to consult with a medical or mental health professional to see what therapies and/or medications might be recommended for you.  As well, there are some other things you can try.  Being active and exercising can provide a huge mental boost.  Spending time with others can be an uplifting activity.  Doing something good for someone else can go a long way to make you feel better.  Of course, doing something you enjoy or used to enjoy is particularly important.  

If you are feeling depressed, you need to find your “crochet hook,” whatever that positive thing might be in your life.  Like a string of yarn, you may feel unraveled or knotted up, but seek help until you find the pattern that works for you and your depression.  

The links below may be the hook you need for help:


Depression and College Students
Bipolar Disorder in Children and Teens
Bipolar Disorder
Depression
Depression in Women

Resources from MSU Extension:


Depression: What You Should Know
Fifty Stress-Busting Ideas for Your Well-Being
Handling Challenging Times
It's Your Choice: Decision Making and Goal Setting
Managing Anger for Better Health and Relationships
Understanding and Managing Stress
Understanding Grief and Loss After Death