MENTAL HEALTH: Depression can be masked in different ways

Feeling sad? Blue? Stressed? Anxious? Overwhelmed? Besieged? Incapable?

All of the above symptoms of depression are on a continuum that begins in a normal way and then could increase into abnormal and painful depression. It is uncomfortable but normal to occasionally feel sad or blue.

When the intensity and amount of depression increases and the person suffering feels less and less in control of life or options, the person may have an emotional and/or medical problem that can require support and an opinion from professionals.

Sometimes we are depressed and really don't realize it. For some, depression can look, feel and act like a lot of anger, over-sensitivity, defensiveness and/or harm of ourselves and others. Drug and alcohol abuse may be a symptom of self-medicating emotional pain. Using drugs or alcohol is very frustrating when the high is fleeting and more usage is required for that person's body's attempt to maintain feeling OK.

Depression can also look like withdrawal from life and interests, including relationships and school. Or, it may show itself as an argumentative or "touchy" person who cannot seem to be able to stand being around the family. There may be secrets and behaviors that will probably cause more pain for everyone.

Depression can be mild, moderate or severe. This condition may be of short, situational or long duration.

A big trauma or a series of little traumas -- for example, abuse or ridicule respectively, can damage the person's ability to "bounce back." The depression may then increase until it begins to feel "normal" and accepted by the person suffering from it, or their parents or spouses. Often, we don't recognize the symptoms of depression in our children and may think they are lazy, disrespectful or uncaring about their jobs including education. Some kids may cry, but others may yell and tantrum. The same may be true for other persons who are chronologically adults but, at times, can be stuck in negative, childish behaviors.

For many, a short or moderate term of psychotherapy intervention can effectively support a person to get back on track and to develop a more positive outlook on his life. There are many good, practical methods of intervention that psychotherapists can offer to those who want relief from their pain. Medications support the therapy.

If you've been quite sad for more than three to five days, consider talking to a physician or mental health expert about getting better and happier. You're worth it, and so is your family.

Sandi Levy Barbero, MSW, is a licensed clinical social worker, licensed alcohol and drug counselor. She can be reached at her Las Vegas office 702-631-8722 or barbero@aol.com for Pahrump weekend appointments. Southwest Passage is an English- and Spanish-speaking bilingual and bicultural, small, private nonprofit mental health agency newly located at 2270 Gamebird at Jackie, near Homestead. It specializes in forensic court cases, victims or perpetrators of crimes, with Certified Domestic Violence and Level I Alcohol and Drug programs. They have been serving Pahrump for almost six years and can usually accept insurances for all issues and for all ages, and Victims of Crime compensations. Direct pay is on a sliding scale.