HJAR Sep/Oct 2024

HEALTHCARE JOURNAL OF ARKANSAS I  SEP / OCT 2024 51 Shelia M. Brooks, DNP, MSN-Ed, RN Clinical Assistant Professor University of Arkansas at Little Rock School of Nursing Depression is a common but serious mood disorder with severe symptoms of at least two weeks that affect emotional and cognitive ability, sleep patterns, eat- ing, working, and activities of daily living. 2 Sixty percent of people with depression do not seek medical attention due to feel- ings of embarrassment frommental health stigmas. 2 Therefore, the symptoms of de- pression are undiagnosed, untreated, and become worse, leading to major mental and physical concerns and even death by suicide. The end result of untreated de- pression can turn a temporary problem into a sad and permanent solution. Depression ranks among the top 10 causes of years lost to disability. 3 Wheth- er unaware of symptoms, embarrassed, or in sheer denial, the recognition, preven- tion, and treatment of depression is vital. Depression can appear in various forms. Research reveals that in order to prevent and reduce the rate of physical and mental disease, it is vital to not downplay symp- toms of depression. 3 Aim a fog light on un- usual behaviors, and directly confront the concerns. Early detection and prevention Research reveals that since COVID-19, mental health challenges, depression, and suicide rates have increased by alarming rates. 4 The female gender is particularly af- fected by depression due to the inability to control one’s schedule, and practicing in a nonacademic setting significantly increas- es depression. 5 It is essential for all that will listen and adhere to early warnings of depression to take action when observing signs or symptoms of depression. Suicidal ideation is personal and subjective. One can never be too cautious. It is better to be safe than to have a misfortunate incident of harm or even death occur. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends screening for depression in a clinical setting for all adults ages 18 and older, including pregnant and postpartum women. 6 The Patient Health Question- naire-9 (PHQ-9) is one of the most com- monly used tools to detect depression in adults. 6 Usually, patients do not feel com- fortable discussing depression, especially during a routine checkup. The concerns of depression are usually highlighted when specific questions are asked, such as feel- ings of hopelessness, poor appetite, over- eating, little interest or pleasure in doing enjoyable things, thoughts of being better off dead than alive, thoughts of self-harm, mental and physical exhaustion, and/or excessive substance abuse. 6 Transparency is the key to finding the best mental health solution. Currently, there are no diagnostic labo- ratory tests available to detect depression. Depression can be managed with psycho- therapy, medications, and physical activi- ty. 6 Engaging in enjoyable physical activi- ties can reduce stress and has the potential to alleviate the decreased interest in social interaction and fatigue. 7 Self-care, a faith- based relationship, proper sleep, adequate nutrition, and engaging in enjoyable activ- ities with family and friends are additional ways to reduce depression. Limit social media and smartphone exposure. 1 Depression can be disguised in various forms: the class clown, the life of the party, one that is always present to assist others in a time of need, as well as the quiet and reserved one. The late but great and funny Robin Williams, the beautiful singer Nao- mi Judd, and the hip-hop dance extraor- dinaire Stephen ‘tWitch’ Boss are three unforgettable souls that made the world happy and erupt with joy, singing, and laughter while they were sad and crying within. Warning: Depression targets no partic- ular age, race, shape, or fashion. Don’t suf- fer in silence. Seek assistance from family, friends, church clergy, or dial “988.” Please know that you are not alone, you are loved, and you are, indeed, enough! n REFERENCES 1 Huff, C. (2022). “Media overload is hurting our mental health. Here are ways to manage head- line stress.” American Psychological Associa- tion, Monitor on Psychology 53, No. 8 (Mov. 1, 2022): 20. https://www.apa.org/monitor/2022/11/ strain-media-overload 2 Chand, S.P.; Arif, H. “Depression.” StatPearls, last updated Jult 17, 2023. PMID: 28613597 3 Frank, P.; Batty, G.D.; Pentti, J; et al. “Association Between Depression and Physical Conditions Re- quiring Hospitalization.” JAMA Psychiatry 80, No. 7(May 3, 2023): 690-699. DOI: 10.1001/jamapsy- chiatry.2023.0777 4 Kuntz, L. “A Year of Record-High Suicide Rates.” Psychiatric Times 41, issue 4 (April 8, 2024): 4-6. https://www.psychiatrictimes.com/view/a-year- of-record-high-suicide-rates 5 Kalin, N.H. (2020). “Insights Into Suicide and Depression.” The American Journal of Psychiatry 177, No. 10 (Oct. 1, 2020); 877-880. DOI: 10.1176/ appi.ajp.2020.20081207 6 Jin, J. “Screening for Depression and Suicide Risk in Adults.” JAMA 329, No. 23 (June 20, 2023): 2102. DOI: 10.1001/jama.2023.9449 7 Soini, E.; Rosenstrom, T.; Maattanen, I; Jokela, M. “Physical activity and specific symptoms of depression: A pooled analysis of six cohort stud- ies.” Journal of Affective Disorders 348 (March 1, 2024): 44-53. DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2023.12.039 SheliaM.Brooks,DNP,MSN-Ed,RN, is a clinical assis- tant professor at University ofArkansas at Little Rock School of Nursing. She received an Associate and Bachelor of Nursing fromUALittle Rock,aMaster of Nursing fromUAFayetteville,and a Doctor of Nursing Practice fromGrand Canyon University.Her nursing background experiences are varied, her favorite be- ing geriatric nursing. In her personal life, Brooks is an active board member at Home for Healing Little Rock and Lessons for Life youth ministry. She is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Chi Eta Phi Nursing Sorority,The Little Rock (AR) Chapter ofThe Links, Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing, and an associate member of Jack and Jill of America.