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Depression is a confusing issue for some people. This is a topic that is close to my heart because 18 years ago, the executive director of the Mental Health Association of Collier County approached me to facilitate a depression group on Marco Island. This was to be an educational group for anyone experiencing depression and/or for family members living with someone depressed.

I began doing the ‘free group’ in early September 1990 and continued doing this group until this past year. During this time, I discovered people were either calling or showing up and questioning whether they or their loved one was depressed enough to belong to this depression group. As a result this group was renamed ‘Coping Skills’ for people learning to cope with stressful problems in daily living.

This renamed group seemed to help people feel more comfortable coming to this group. There seems to be strong resistance in saying that one is depressed. Apparently, this is due to the fact that in years past there was a stigma or negative attitude concerning depression. However, I believe it’s only in being open and honest, recognizing and accepting the symptoms you may exhibit, that you will be free to make progress with the situation.

Most of us will experience feeling somewhat down from time to time, as well as experience some blue days or down days. This is very common. We also know that anyone who experiences a loss will also experience some form of depression. The depression I wish to talk about in today’s column is different from the feeling of being ‘down or in the dumps.’ I want to discuss the sad or empty mood that does not go away after a few weeks. Everyday activities like socializing, working, eating or sleeping are affected by the depression I am referring to.

Research has shown that one in five adults will experience a depressive disorder such as major depression, bipolar disorder, dysthymia, post-partum depression, or seasonal affective disorder at some point in their lives. It has been difficult to get exact research figures due to the tendency to deny depression. However, we do know that for each person suffering from depression, three or four times that number, including relatives and friends, will also be affected to some degree. This condition seems to be on the rise, especially among single women, women in poverty, single men and adolescents.

We definitely know that national tragedies such as the Sept. 11 terrorist attack and other natural disasters can also generate depressive symptoms for large parts of a population. Our current economy system is also stirring up symptoms of depression for many people today.

Of those suffering from depression, most do not know they have a treatable condition. Without appropriate treatment, this condition can go on for a very long time. Most people tend to blame themselves or may be blamed by others. Some family members just do not understand why they are not functioning as they would like to see them. This in turn leads to alienation of family and friends who, if they knew of the illness, would likely offer support and possibly even assist in finding effective treatment. Although this is one of our most devastating emotional disorders, treatment can bring relief to over 80 percent of those who experience depression.

Several causes of depression have been identified. If the illness seems to have run in families, there may be the genetic predisposition to depression. If so, there is the potential for this to show up during times of stress. However, it’s important to note, that just because you have a family member with depression, you are not necessarily going to suffer from this condition yourself.

We know that major changes in a person’s life patterns can trigger a depressive episode. These changes can be due to serious illness, a period of financial difficulties, stressful relationships, or a severe loss. From research we know that people who are easily overwhelmed by stressful events, who tend to have low self-esteem, worry, and see the world in a pessimistic way are more prone to depression than other people.

Join me next week when I continue this topic with some common symptoms and share ways you can deal with your depression.

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Carolyn Katchmar is a member of the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists, a certified addictions professional in Florida and a member of the American Association of Christian Counselors. Address questions to Ethics & Civility, Marco Eagle, P.O. Box 579, Marco Island, Fla., 34146. Katchmar also can be reached at ckharper@comcast.net.