THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, April 23, 1995 TAG: 9504190047
SECTION: REAL LIFE PAGE: K2 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: ALEXANDRIA BERGER
LENGTH: Medium: 79 lines
FROM YOUR LETTERS and phone calls, I can tell depression has been a major burden on your life. Agreed.
With one eye on a cart filled with uncertainty, the other eye searches for the nearest express checkout counter. Depression slams smack into the middle of your daily life like a missile, disintegrating your feeling of well being.
First, you've just lost the old you. You're chronically ill or disabled. You vent. At times you cry. You don't sleep. You have pain. Who wouldn't feel lousy? You try giving yourself some time to mourn. You may think suicide. Wait. There is hope. You may be battling ``Chemical Warp.'' To get out of ``Warp,'' push the reality check button with me.
Before we go any further, know this. You're normal. Listen to Dr. Robert Hansen, a Hampton Roads neurologist.
``The nature of chronic illness reduces effective brain levels of certain neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and norepinephrine, which help deal with physical pain and sleep patterns.
``The physician needs to work with a patient to find the right serotonin-raising drug. While all of these drugs may seem lumped together, one drug may act slightly different from another. It's a matter of matching your body chemistry to the right medication mix. Newer, more effective medications are being developed monthly.
``Think of it as treating something like diabetes or heart disease. The brain is another organ of the body, and now we've opened the door by finding the right key.''
According to Dr. Robert Nash, a neurologist who is also certified in pain management through the American Academy of Pain Medicine, the term ``depression'' is outdated. He prefers ``altered neurochemistry.''
``So, first let's get rid of the term `depression,' '' he says. ``People who suffer chronic pain and depression are not mentally ill; they are medically ill.''
Dr. Nash agrees.
``Most people who have chronic pain have disordered sleep (and often chronic headaches and mood alteration),'' he says. ``By raising the serotonin levels, normal sleep patterns are re-established. This leads to greater time in deep sleep. During this period the brain produces its maximum amount of morphine-like substances (beta endorphins) which the body needs to fight pain. Therefore, muscles under spasm relax, mood increases and pain decreases.
OK, OK. So you say you're not in pain. I got it.
Nash tell us, ``After you haven't slept well in weeks, you no longer feel like your old self. You have decreased energy, decreased sexual drive, increased pain, like backaches. You begin to get a feeling of hopelessness.''
Nash has developed a serotonin index, a 13-question inquiry to determine a patient's need for serotonin-raising medication. This guide acts as an indicator to the type of drug which will work for you.
Armed with this information, consider this. First, get quality sleep. You'll feel better. Your brain will thank you. Ask your doctor if antidepressants will help your condition. Think about the avenues open to you. Therapy. Support groups. Ask yourself if you feel guilty, are ashamed, sometimes behave like a martyr, and buy into pity. All of us do this at one time or another. It's a daily struggle staying focused.
``Work toward balance,'' says Mary Ellen Peterson, a Norfolk therapist. ``When people ask you what you're doing now, try saying, `I'm taking care of myself.' ''
Now, look at the new you. Get to know and love that person. Count your positives. Accept that some days are going to be better than others. Listen to your body. Nurture it.
Get spiritual. Covet laughter. Meditate. Learn all you can about your illness. Knowledge is power. Educate your family and friends. Tell them what you want from them emotionally. Ask for and you will get respect. It pays off. In the last year, I met a man who has accepted me, knowing the possibilities. On Jan. 12, I became his wife.
So, sly dragons, stay out of the dungeon. Think ``up.''
And write. MEMO: Write Alexandria Berger, c/o The Imperfect Navigator, The Virginian
Pilot, 150 W. Brambleton Avenue, Norfolk, Va. 23510. by CNB