Tomorrow is theme day once again here at the b5media Health & Wellness channel and this month is all about depression. Not a sunny topic, I know, but one that is vitally important and has most likely touched each and every one of us in some way or another.

Thus, I am so honored to have been able to interview Tristram Hussey, our very own blogger training extraordinaire. Tris has been suffering with depression for many years and has some incredibly valuable insight to share regarding diagnosis, treatment, triggers and more. Tris’s hope is that if this interview helps even one person see a doctor for treatment, we have accomplished something great. Indeed, Tris.

And now, the interview:

1. Depression is often considered a quiet disease or one that many folks live with for quite some time without treatment. Have you found that to be the case with you, and if so, how did you finally decide to seek treatment?

Personally I lived with depression from when I was in my teens until my mid-30s, yes a very, very long time. I figured I could handle it. I knew that I suffered from more than just the blues, but I also didn’t want to take medication. I was afraid that the medications would mess around with the one thing I treasured–my mind. What I didn’t know was that the medications just help my brain work better.

Why did I finally get help? Frankly I hit rock bottom. My marriage was falling apart and my professional life was not going well. Finally I went to my doctor. The best decision of my life, it probably saved my life.

2. Why do you believe people wait so long to seek treatment?

There are lots of reasons, especially for men, the biggest I think is the stigma of being “mentally ill”. Men also don’t want to feel like being less of a man or that they “can’t handle it” themselves.

Even though many, many men and women suffer from and are treated for depression, the stigma is still there. This is one reason that I talk openly about it. I suffer from depression, I take medication, and I’m okay.

2. Do you believe depression is caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain or by circumstances? Or both?

For me, the cause is chemical, but the triggers are circumstances. You can have “situational depression” and still need help to get out of it. So, it is both. And, for me, the chemical reasons make it easier to grapple with.

3. Once you’ve received treatment for depression, are you “cured” or is recovery an ongoing process?

I don’t know about being cured. Maybe for people who have something related to a specific event, but for me, it’s going to be the rest of my life. Will I be able to reduce my medication in the future? Maybe. That is something that I work with my doctor on. Working with your doctor is critical to success.

4. What are some triggers you’ve experienced?

Read Tris’s answer to this question and the remainder of the interview after the fold…

For me it’s stress and the downturns of life. That’s when I know I’ve done the right thing by treating this. Something that would have knocked me flat for days, we all get the blues sometimes, might only last a day or so.

Life isn’t perfect, and medication can’t or doesn’t fix everything, but it helps keep things in check.

5. What are some treatments you’ve tried, both naturally and medically-based? What seemed to work best for you and which would you consider a last resort?

I’ve tried various SSRIs and SSNRIs along with counseling. I like the newer drugs, but, all medications have side effects. My worst one is night sweats, which in the great scheme of things isn’t too bad.

I haven’t tried natural remedies and don’t know if I’d suggest them.

6. Do you have any statistics or depression-related facts you care to share?

I wish I knew about prevalence, but I do know that 30% of people with depression commit suicide. That is a sobering stat, and one that haunts me. Haunts me every day. This is one reason that I keep tabs on how I’m feeling, ask for help, and adjust my meds with my doctor if needed.

7. How has depression affected your relationships and/or work?

Before I got help, I just wasn’t a fun person to be around when the dark times hit. I would get down, and just not able to function well. One thing about depression is that social anxiety often goes hand in hand with it. The newer drugs help with that too.

Before, I had trouble concentrating, getting things done, and just making those connections needed for work. Now, well on my down days, people understand. I work with very understanding people. Sometimes I just have to take a break (mental health day is apt). However, on “normal” days, I have focus, energy, drive, and passion. The meds have really helped me.

8. If you could give any one person who may be “feeling blue” advice, what would it be?

See. Your. Doctor. Ask. For. Help. You’re not alone. You can get help. And it can get better. Talk to a friend, talk to your doctor.

It will take tremendous courage to do it, but your family and friends, the people who love you, will be there for you.

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Special thanks once again to Tris for taking the time to share such a personal side of himself with us. Readers, if you have any comments or questions, please, please don’t hesitate to leave them below. We encourage conversation here at Healthbolt and would love to hear from you.

You can catch more from Tris at Manscaping 101.com, MapleLeaf 2.0, and A View from the Isle.

Post from: Healthbolt