Monday, December 01, 2008

By Ken Carlson
kcarlson@modbee.com

last updated: October 10, 2008 09:34:20 PM

Many people are under stress because of home foreclosures, job losses and the evaporation of retirement funds.

It's normal to suffer anger, anxiety or insomnia during difficult times. But according to mental health experts, stressful situations can lead to personal crises and episodes of depression.

"The problem is you think you are totally helpless in these situations," said Dr. Antoun Manganas of the Psychiatric Medical Group in Modesto. "It's like a tsunami. These are events you can't control. You have to ride it out."

People should consider getting help if they go into a shell, cease going about their daily activities, and isolate themselves from family and friends.

Manganas was one of the mental health professionals at a National Depression Screening Day event at Modesto Centre Plaza, organized by the Doctors Behavioral Health Center. By coincidence, the free mental health screenings were scheduled at sites across the nation Friday, a day that capped the worst week in Wall Street's history.

The stories about suicides after the stock market crash of 1929 have been mostly discounted. But experts say they would expect to see some people with symptoms of depression, which include a sense of hopelessness, intense sadness, sleeplessness, inability to experience pleasure and suicidal thoughts.

The symptoms can be triggered by the loss of a loved one, a traumatic relationship or the stress that comes with prolonged unemployment or homelessness. Almost 19 million people in the United States are affected by depressive disorders.

One warning sign is isolation from others.

"When they are hurt, people are like a wounded animal -- they go off by themselves," Manganas said. "The first thing you should do is talk to family, talk to friends. Get some support."

For people of faith, another way to ride out the storm is to seek refuge in their religion, he said. Distressed people might also limit their exposure to 24-hour news programs, which air depressing stories over and over, he said.

Dr. Rolf Palmer, medical director of Doctors Behavioral Health Center on Claus Road, said a person with persistent suicidal thoughts should see his or her doctor or a mental health professional. If suicide appears imminent, he or she should call 911.

Though the most disabling mood disorders are thought to originate from chemical imbalances in the brain, today's economic conditions could give rise to "exogenous" forms of depression, or those related to external factors and the ability to deal with stress.

Research has shown that repeated episodes of depression take a toll, said Dr. John Jacisin, a Modesto psychiatrist who spoke during a luncheon at Friday's event.

"The more episodes of depression you have, the more susceptible you are to stress," he said.

Getting professional therapy likely will be difficult for a person who has lost employment and health insurance. If appropriate, a primary care physician may recommend an antidepressant for patients with milder forms of depression.

To comment, click on the link at www.modbee.com. Bee staff writer Ken Carlson can be reached at kcarlson@ modbee. com or 578-2321.

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