Saturday, September 08, 2007

A vast sea of misery could be avoided if this condition received the same attention and resources as AIDS or cancer.
---Marjorie Wallace, chief executive of the UK mental health charity SANE on depression

Depression has a greater impact on quality of life than most medical conditions. Worst of all with respect to overall health is the combination of depression plus a co-morbid medical condition.

If my patients wonder why I increasingly run behind through the day, on average it's because I often ask "And how are you holding up with all this." Seldom a short answer to that one.
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5 comments:

janet copenhaver said...

Until recently no one looked at depression as a disease. Glad it's finally getting noticed.

11:07 AM
JeanMac said...

I have asked my Dr. D. to not ask me as he is so sweet I burst into tears. Then we both feel badly - so we have a deal that I'll ask him for help if nec. or if he sees I am looking bagged:)
You MD's deserve medals.

1:40 PM
Mauigirl said...

I agree - and I think it's vastly underdiagnosed, particularly in the elderly. My aunt would not be defined as "clinically depressed" but her constant worrying, anxiety and mental perturbation surely may warrant some treatment.

I'm a firm believer in better living through chemistry!

11:45 AM
denverdoc said...

JW: I think life's increasing pace and complexity is bringing depression and anxiety to the forefront. Even the clueless can't miss it!

Jean: I keep Kleenex handy, and usually can assure whoever is reaching for it that they are not the first to need one that day.

MG: I had to laugh at your 'better living through chemistry!' I used to have a psychedelic poster with just that slogan on it way back when, but I don't think I meant pharmaceutically correct chemistry...

2:30 PM
Mauigirl said...

LOL, I remember those days too!

8:38 PM

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