Suicide Awareness: Beware of the Blues Published April 5, 2007 By Staff Sgt. Connie L. Bias 92nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. -- We all have the periodic "off" day; some days just aren't as great as others. Got some bad news, stressors in overdrive, it's Monday ... Whatever the reason, we all get the blues. But when those blues become a regular or permanent visitor, you may have a more permanent and serious depression that needs attention. "Depression can present itself in many forms," said Capt. (Dr.) Lisa Selthon, Life Skills Support Center element chief and clinical psychologist. "Some people have a chronic, low-level depression, which is known as dysthymic disorder. People with this disorder don't see normal highs and lows. "Conversely, with major depressive disorder, you see someone who's functioning normally and then they'll have an episode of depression. The episode can last for weeks to months and then they will often return to their baseline mood. These individuals may never have another depressive episode or may go on to have multiple recurrences." Most of the time, people can point to the triggers which stimulated their depression. Factors such as family and financial problems, job disappointments and geographical moves are common examples of such triggers. Sometimes, though, factors are difficult to pinpoint. "There may be a family predisposition to depression, and sometimes those people will say they feel horrible but are unable to identify why they feel depressed other than identifying that multiple family members also struggle with depression," said Captain Selthon. "Obviously, one of the main symptoms of depression is sadness." Along with feelings of sadness, difficulty sleeping and a decrease in energy and concentration are common symptoms of depression. Other symptoms include feelings of guilt and worthlessness, appetite changes and a loss of interest in activities and hobbies. "Often, these depressive symptoms are what we call a normal response to an abnormal situation, such as a deployment or grieving the loss of a loved one," said Captain Selthon. "We in the military have all kinds of stressful situations, and if you're having a hard time dealing with stressors, it's in your best interest to get help." That help is close by and as easy as calling the Life Skills Support Center, your primary care manager, Family Advocacy or a chaplain - what Ruth Sunde, Family Advocacy program assistant, calls wrap-around services. Family Advocacy's role is with the prevention and intervention of child and spouse abuse, and counselors involved in this role often see depressed patients. "The base provides all kinds of helping services. Those range from classes at the gym, Airman's Attic for economic support, Give Parents a Break, and the list goes on," said Ms. Sunde. "Our goal is to teach people to help themselves. We point people toward a support system and open their eyes to the many services around them. "Of course, sometimes a person's depression is a clinical issue, and they may need medication, in which case we will refer them to their primary care manager, or a psychiatrist or psychologist." A psychologist like Captain Selthon, who encourages anyone struggling with depression or anxiety to come in. "I've had so many patients say, 'I wish I had come in earlier,' when they realize how helpful it is to talk to someone," she said. "Asking for help is one of the biggest signs of strength a person can display, and it's better to ask early on instead of allowing your depression to deepen and the situation to spiral out of control." (Information from the National Institute of Mental Health, www.nimh.gov, was used in this story.) Editor's Note: This story is the second in a four-part series on suicide awareness. Upcoming stories will cover relationship stressors and alcohol and drug use.