Rotarians Advised About The Illness Of Depression

Marlene Chelso, APRN, MSN, CS spoke to Newtown Rotarians recently about something effective over 9 million Americans: depression and acute anxiety. Although 5 million suffers are over 65 years of age it should not be considered as part of aging, she said.

It is important to understand depression is not normal and should be considered a medical illness that can be treated and requires prompt attention from a doctor. It is generally believed that both biological and social factors can play a role.

Research has shown that depression may be related to an imbalance in serotonin, a natural substance that acts as a “messenger” between nerve cells in the brain. Life difficulties such as the divorce or loss of a loved one can trigger or worsen the symptoms of depression.

Ms Chelso said that although there are many different treatments the two most common are talk therapy and antidepressant medicines.

It is not always easy to recognize someone suffering from depression or acute anxiety until it becomes very acute. Should you find yourself, a friend or loved one suddenly loosing interest in usual pleasurable activities, feeling unusually sad or irritable, having sleep disturbances, a decreased ability to concentrate, feeling more tired than usual, having feelings of guilt, or perhaps even having thoughts about suicide, take notice and talk things over with a doctor immediately, she said.

The important message is that recognition, treatment and medical attention are most necessary to the successful cure of this ailment.

Marlene Chelso has a master degree in nursing and is a certified clinical specialist in adult psychiatric and metal health nursing, having 22 years clinical experience in psychiatry. She currently has a private practice in Danbury providing individual, couples and family therapy and medication management.