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What Is Depression?

Updated: Mar 21, 2023



What It Isn’t

There are a lot of misconceptions about what depression is and what depression isn’t. Some common beliefs about depression include:

  • “Depression is a choice”;

  • “Depression just means that the person is sad”;

  • “Only weak-minded people get depressed”;

  • “Depression can be cured by thinking positively.”


Many believe depression is the same as being sad and use the two words interchangeably. While most online thesauruses list sadness as a synonym for depression, there are distinctive differences you should be aware of.


To start, sadness is a normal human emotion most of us experience countless times throughout our lives. Someone can become sad for any number of reasons, from the way a particular movie ends to not getting to the bank in time to cash a check. Sad emotions usually last a short period of time and don't cause major impairments in personal or professional functioning.



What It Is

On the other hand, depression is not an emotion; it is a mental health disorder that impairs how we feel, think, and act. Depression is usually caused by a combination of biological, psychological, and social factors. In public safety workers, depression can be exacerbated by the unique stressors they face, such as exposure to traumatic events, long work hours, and high-pressure situations.



Symptoms

Some common symptoms of depression include:

  • Feeling sad, empty, or hopeless;

  • Diminished interest or pleasure in doing things;

  • Loss of motivation or energy;

  • Increase or decrease in appetite;

  • Suicidal ideations;

  • Difficulty concentrating;

  • Irritable mood;

  • Sleeping too little or too much.



Relevance to Public Safety Workers

Depression can have serious implications for public safety workers. For example, studies have found that police officers with depression are more likely to make errors on the job and engage in risky behaviors. Similarly, firefighters with depression may be more likely to experience burnout and have higher rates of absenteeism. Emergency medical personnel with depression may experience increased emotional exhaustion and decreased job satisfaction. These effects can have serious consequences for public safety workers, their colleagues, and the public they serve.



Treatment

Depression can be treated in various ways including diet, exercise, sleep, talk therapy, medication, and being active. Public safety workers may face unique challenges when seeking treatment for depression, such as stigma surrounding mental health and concerns about job security. However, it is important for public safety workers to seek treatment if they are experiencing symptoms of depression. Treatment options may include therapy or counseling, medication, support groups, and other resources.



Depression Screening

Screening for depression can help identify individuals who may be experiencing depression and connect them with appropriate treatment. Public safety workers may be hesitant to seek out screening for depression, but it is an important step in maintaining their mental health and well-being. Screening for depression can be done in a variety of settings, such as a primary care provider's office, a mental health clinic, or an employee assistance program. Screening tools such as the PHQ-9 or the Beck Depression Inventory can help identify symptoms of depression.



If you or anyone you know may be living with depression, seek help.



Resources

For those in the Charlotte area, you can set up an initial assessment with a Behavioral Health Counselor at Reserve Health, PC (704-626-3994).


If you’re having a mental health emergency, contact your local mobile crisis center for the county you live in.

https://crisissolutionsnc.org/


Or, contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's (SAMHSA) National Hotline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357)

It's confidential, free, and available 24 hours a day.


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