Parental Depression Affects the Entire Family -- Seattle PI

[HuckleB]

I suppose this could be considered a continuation of the thread titled "Is depression real," but I think this piece goes further, discussing the effects of stigma upon those affected by depression and their willingness to seek treatment, in addition to the effects that untreated depression in one family member may have upon others.

Parental Depression Affects the Entire Family

http://www.psycport.com/showArticle.cfm?xmlFile=bhsuper%5F2004%5F08%5F10%5FSEPI%5F0000%2D7638%2DKEYWORD%2EMissing%2Exml&provider=Seattle%20Post%2DIntelligencer

"WHEN ANGIE HOFFPAUIR GETS gets a new class of psychology students at Antioch University in Seattle, she typically asks the same first- day question: Who in here would be willing to share the fact if you were depressed?

"Nobody raises their hands," said Hoffpauir, a faculty member who previously asked the same question - to no avail - as a teacher at New Hampshire, Tulane and Louisiana State universities.

Remember, this is a roomful of psychology students. They are actively learning that mental health is as precious as it is fragile. Yet admitting to the symptoms of depression remains a tough sell even as health officials make it clear that depression is increasingly common and treatable.

One finding is that every birth group born since World War II is significantly more at risk for depression than the previous group. (For research purposes, a birth group covers about two to five years.) A federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention study indicated that most Americans report feeling "sad, blue or depressed" three days a month, on average. "We are recognizing depression more and more," said Hoffpauir. "But the stigma is no less."

[Gman]

1. This is one of the issues that makes America a great deal less

a nation compared to the rest of the world

[HuckleB]

2. I'm not sure which direction you're coming from with that statement.

Would you be willing to explain your point of view a bit further?

Salud!

[Gman]

4. Sure

The rest of the world gives attention to their citizen's health, mental and otherwise. Its considered a right. Here we have a national mentality of the survival of the fittest and who can afford it. Those countries that value the health and welfaree of their citizens are great. Those, like us that don't are not.

[HuckleB]

5. Gracias, and very well put.

I agree.

[MountainLaurel]

3. Duh

:eyes:

I think if you asked most people who have sought treatment for depression about their parents and grandparents, you'll find that previous generations exhibited depressive behaviors that helped current generations develop their own. Sort of self-fulfilling prophecy at the intersection of nature and nurture.

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0312263325/qid=1092158025/sr=1-1/ref=sr_1_1/104-0457865-7328705?v=glance&s=books">Something to read on the subject...