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GAY PEOPLE'S CHRONICLE JANUARY 14, 1994

Join us for a night of theatre and community.

The 6th Annual Gay People's Chronicle Community Service Awards and a performance of Keith Curran's

Walking the Dead

at Cleveland Public Theatre

Thursday, February 17⚫ Doors Open at 7pm Award ceremony promptly at 7:30, show follows. 6415 Detroit Avenue

$10 in advance (mail check, made out to: G.P.C.⚫ P.O. Box 5426 Cleveland, Ohio 44101) $12 at the door.

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PSYCHED OUT

Learning to recognize clinical depression

by Keith A. Oliver, Ph.D.

Depression is an often misunderstood and potentially debilitating condition. The effects from depression can result in despair, disruption of one's life and possibly death. Someone can be depressed and not recognize the condition. We have all had times when we feel down or say, "I'm depressed." Although someone may be depressed when making this statement, a person can also be depressed without this aware-

ness.

Clinical depression can manifest itself in a variety of ways. Most people are aware of and can recognize a depressive episode which follows some type of major traumatic event such as the death of a loved one, the loss of a job, or the ending of a relationship. However, a depressive episode can also occur in conjunction with a chronic illness, or a chronic stressor such as work concerns, financial difficulties, or interpersonal problems. Depression can also accompany chemical abuse or dependency. Depression can surface on or around the anniversary date of an important occasion, loss or trauma. In this case, the person may feel depressed but not connect the feelings to the former event.

Depression sometimes presents itself in a pattern in which the individual goes from periods of extreme elation to periods of extreme depression. In this case the depressive episodes do not have to coincide with any negative life event. Additionally, research suggests that some people can become depressed when they are deprived of a required amount of light. For these people depression usually accompanies the winter months when the days become shorter. For some people there appears to be an ongoing depression that has existed for years. Often times these individuals are so familiar with how they feel they do not realize that they are depressed. At times they may feel more depressed as the result of a life event, problem or unspecified mood change, and acknowledge the secondary depression, yet not know that once the secondary depression has dissipated that the primary depression remains.

Behaviors are an indicator of depression.

If

you believe you or someone you care about might be depressed, the following list may offer a clue to determine if professional help may be appropriate and necessary.

loss of interest or pleasure poor appetite or overeating low energy or fatigue low self esteem

poor concentration difficulty making decisions ● feelings of hopelessness

insomnia or increased sleeping weight loss (when not dieting) or weight gain

feeling of worthlessness sexual functioning problems loss of sexual interest

thoughts of death or suicide

Having some or most of these symptoms could indicate depression. In the case of a long term depression the individual may or may not recognize some of the above symptoms but "not feel" depressed, or wonder why they have to force themselves to do what other people seem to accomplish without such effort.

Depression is treatable when properly diagnosed. Individual psychotherapy and sometimes medications in conjunction with psychotherapy are effective treatments. Left untreated one's life in general can be a struggle, leaving the individual feeling unfulfilled and unrewarded. Left untreated, severe depression can lead to accidents and death.

Clinical depression is serious and requires professional intervention. Blaming yourself or someone who is depressed for the condition and expecting the depression to leave by forcing it away is not realistic. It is also important for someone who is depressed to overcome any feelings of shame or embarrassment. These feelings can keep you from getting appropriate treatment. Depression is not something you just have to live with. With treatment you can begin to experience a more rewarding and fulfilling life. ♡

Dr. Oliver is a psychology post-doctoral trainer with Mark Harris & Associates, Columbus.

"I don't date because everyone I know is already involved with someone else"

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Check out the largest selection of lesbian, gay and bi personals in the state. Section B of the Gay People's Chronicle. Call today & have a date tomorrow.

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