Editor’s note: This is the second segment in a 2-part series on depression. Read the first segment online at www.thecitizenonline.com.
Michigan could be a model for the effect of job loss and economic strain on physical and mental health, and not in a good way.
This concern of Michelle Riba, professor and associate director of the University of Michigan Depression Center, is shared by some area professionals who have noted increases in people seeking help for depression.
Laurie Van Vliet, an emergency room social worker at St. Joseph Mercy Oakland, has seen an increasing number of patients during the past six to eight months in the psych unit at St. Joseph Mercy Oakland, where she is an emergency room social worker. She said that on average, the ER staff sees 120-150 patients per month with psychiatric issues. That number is closer to 200 now.
‘We are seeing an increase in depressed people, people with financial issues,? Van Vliet said. ‘They come to the ER because they don’t know where to go. Our ER is overwhelmed with people. A lot present as suicidal? They’re in a black hole and it’s very sad. Some people are troubled financially, declaring bankruptcy, others are normal mental health patients not compliant with their meds. Everyone’s puzzled by the increase. It’s almost like we were blindsided.?
Riba cites busier emergency rooms as one of the societal indicators of increased depression, along with more homelessness, substance abuse and family problems.
‘People are using the ER as primary care, because they can’t pay for their yearly visits or check-ups or medications,? she said. ‘In my own practice, I’ve seen people cut pills in half to make them last longer. Some are canceling appointments because of the price of gas.?
At the highest risk for physical problems due to a job loss are the elderly, due to the loss of insurance and possible impact on retirement, but Riba said it really depends on the social structure of a person and their history of mental and psychiatric issues and the support they have.
She noted that when a job is lost, medical coverage is often compromised for the entire family, and when parents are depressed, it often impacts their children.
‘Losing a job is a whole family issue,? she said. ‘We can expect in Michigan that more people with a history of depression will have it recur or will not be able to prevent episodes. Financial strain often affects families, people start arguing. It’s a source of concern when one has to budget and make decisions about what is most important. If there is already tension in the family, financial strain impacts emotional functioning.?
Ortonville United Methodist Church Pastor Tim Dibble said he has had more people seeking his counsel regarding the state of the economy, unemployment, election turmoil and uncertainty about the general direction of the country.
‘I’ve spoken to more people about depression issues in the last six months,? he said. ‘In most cases, they need someone to talk to in order to resolve issues. Sometimes they just want someone to listen. I’m there to listen. If it’s clinical depression, they need a professional.?
Dr. Lynn Chambers, a psychologist with a private practice in Brandon Township, said depression is a sad or down mood with a loss of interest in things the person used to enjoy. Other symptoms include sleep and appetite disturbances and unrealistic guilt.
Serious changes in behavior, such as not eating or eating too much, sleeping too much or not sleeping, withdrawal or taking no interest or pleasure in anything are common signs.
Causes of depression include a grief reaction (to the loss of a loved one, for example); circumstances, relationship or job issues; a condition that has been going on for a long time; or a biological basis.
Long-term depression or major depression, with really acute depressive symptoms for two weeks or more, may require medication.
‘You should seek help when it is affecting you physically,? Chambers said. ‘If you can’t sleep, you can’t think clearly; and if you can’t think clearly, you can’t think your way out of depression.?
Cognitive behavioral therapy may also help patients think differently about what is going on in their life or how they approach it. Chambers also recommends making changes to diet, health, exercise and social relationships to break free of depression.
‘People need to change their thinking of being hopeless and trapped and believe there is something they can do to move their lives in a positive direction,? she said. ‘Many people avoid medications and I respect that. If they don’t want meds, try other things. Family and friends can listen? We are a nation of habits. Sometimes we have habits that support depression. You don’t have to stay in that situation, there is help available and it takes many forms. Start where you’re comfortable? read a self-help book, or seek help from a physician or with therapy.?