Boxed in by depression? What you need to know

Today’s column is about depression. So let’s get the lame joke out of the way immediately: “Talking about depression is so, well, depressing.” There. Feel better now?

Actually, you might if you are feeling a bit depressed and it’s because of your life-situation.

Did you know there is a valid difference between “situational” depression and “clinical” depression?

Clinical depression can result from a complex mix of factors — like major life traumas, chemical imbalance, genetics, alcohol/drug abuse or multiple factors impacting emotional well-being. This depression requires medical intervention of some kind and is often a long-term experience.

Situational depression is triggered by some life trauma — like divorce, death of a loved one, job loss, serious accident, retirement, relocation or other major adjustment. Adjusting to any major change can be difficult. A deeper struggle with that change can result in one of many warning signs.

When the trauma has resolved, or a person has made healthy adjustments and the situation is resolved or at least manageable, the symptoms of depression can lessen or disappear altogether.

In the meantime, the symptoms of depressions are very real and should be dealt with in the healthiest ways possible.

What are those symptoms? I’m glad you asked. Some of them include: Persistent sad, anxious, or “empty” feelings; feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness, or helplessness; increased agitation and restlessness; more fatigue and decreased energy.

Others include difficulty with concentrating, remembering details, and making decisions; sleeping too much or not enough; poor appetite or overeating; expressing thoughts of dying or suicide; persistent aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems that don’t ease with treatment; spiritual distress.

Now, before you vegetate in your recliner, wondering if your own symptoms mean you’re de- pressed or slogging your way toward a depression, take a breath. If you have concerns about what you might be feeling, or what your daily routines have become, get a reality check.

I have a bias toward checking with your doctor first. Before he retired, our long-time doctor always looked beyond what he saw in us to what else might be happening in our lives. A perceptive doctor or nurse practitioner can ask the right questions that may get you closer to the answers you need.

Another possible resource is actually available next Tuesday at the Geezer Forum. We will be looking at “Out-of-the-Box” Ways to Get Out of the Depression Box.”

Our resource persons will be Ginna Maus, LCSW, a private practice counselor, Colleen Russell, M.A., a women’s empowerment and creativity coach, and Mandy Evans, executive driector of Panhandle Animal Shelter.

Together, they will explore with us some approaches to situational depression we may not have considered. As a mental health counselor, Ginna wants to be clear that clinical depression will not be directly dealt with at the Forum, for that diagnosis requires a therapeutic setting.

If you are experiencing what you consider to be situational depression symptoms, or you know persons who may be having those symptoms, please consider joining us for some possible new insights and encouragement. Our Geezer Forum is on Tuesday, March 26, 2:30-4 p.m. in the Community Room of Columbia Bank, 414 Church St.

Paul Graves, M.Div., is Lead Geezer-in-Training of Elder Advocates, a consulting ministry on aging issues. Contact Paul at 208-610-4971 or elderadvocates@nctv.com.