Depression and mood disorders affect a surprising percentage in ‘happy valley’

Utah is typically proud of its No. 1 rankings — highest literacy rate in the nation, highest percentage of computers per household, highest birth rate and most competitive in economic development are just a few.

But one of the state’s top rankings isn’t anything to boast about. Just this year, two separate studies have shown that Utah is the most depressed state in the nation.

If depression doesn’t affect you directly, there’s a good chance it’s hurting the lives of family members or friends. But instead of feeling down about the state’s sad statistic, learn what you can do to create change.

Recognize the symptoms
Nearly everyone feels sad, lonely or depressed from time to time. But when those feelings begin to interfere with everyday life, it may be time to seek help.

“Depression affects the brain and the body and a person’s whole outlook,” says Jason Conover, a licensed clinical social worker in the Outpatient Psychology Clinic at Utah Valley Regional Medical Center. “It actually distorts perspective so the person isn’t in his best thinking mind to deal with the problem itself. It’s a disruption and a very altered reality.”

Lack of motivation or desire is one indicator of depression, especially when the person stops being interested in things that were once loved or enjoyed. Changes in sleep patterns can also be telltale, whether the symptom is constant fatigue and excessive amounts of sleep or the opposite — insomnia.

“Mood disorders and how we interact with people is another big dynamic,” Jason says. “Often people around us will be able to help a lot in recognizing if we’ve changed or shifted.”

One of the symptoms that becomes apparent in regular interactions is pulling away from loved ones or purposely becoming isolated. The person will communicate less and keep more feelings inside.

“Almost every time, there’s an isolation element,” Jason says. “And that problem invites more of the problem. When I get the flu I sleep, eat chicken noodle soup and drink fluids, and in a few days I’ll be great. With depression, a person goes to bed and the problem just worsens. Two days turns into eight days, eight days turns into a month.”

Other symptoms to take into account are difficulty concentrating, remembering details and making decisions, feelings of hopelessness and pessimism, irritability, restlessness, and persistent sad, anxious or “empty” feelings.

Treat the problem
“We put a lot of emphasis on feelings, but what we find in its extreme is that feelings equal facts,” Jason says. “So if I feel like a loser that becomes the actual authority to deem it as fact or truth. If I don’t feel like doing anything, therefore, I don’t do anything. If emotion becomes the captain of the ship it can get really tricky.”

Instead, Jason says the message to send out is that these disorders are treatable and people get better all the time. There is no instant solution, but the depressive feelings people experience every day do not have to become a permanent part of life.

Many people will begin by contacting a therapist on the phone, researching the subject on the Internet or visiting the family practitioner. But the best help will come by talking with a mental health professional.

“It’s about having another person there who cares, acting as a life support,” Jason says. “The therapist is objective, so they can be that nonbiased person with the client.”

Jason says a usual course of therapy is around 12 sessions, depending on the extremity of the person’s issues. At his clinic, therapists work closely with doctors to determine appropriate medication, if necessary.

Jason also recommends treating the family or loved ones. Inviting family members to sessions with the therapist can improve the results of treatment. Depression has a contagious factor and it can become a crisis for the caregiver, so family members need support, too.

“We want people to begin to work out the dynamics of depression by talking and having a reflection of what they’re thinking,” Jason says. “By talking to a professional, they’re talking with someone who understands them.”

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE MAGAZINE ONLINE