Fall 1999 ~ Newsletter
Cystic Fibrosis and Depression
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Some Helpful Hints In Coping With Depression
by Staci Thrasher, LGSW
There is often a lot of stigma associated with seeking help for depression so I am really excited that we are dedicating an entire newsletter to this issue. I hope this newsletter will help everyone, including the CF team, to feel more comfortable with discussing and addressing depression.Patients with CF and their families do an amazing job balancing CF and the other parts of their lives. CF is a complex disease that requires a lot of time and effort to maintain optimal health, however, I talk to people and families every day that live relatively normal lives (if there is such a thing as normal) in spite of their CF.Having CF or a child with CF does not directly cause depression but it can be a factor that contributes to depression. When it comes to depression, people with CF and their families are really no different from the general population. Someone experiencing depression is definitely not alone as it affects about 16 million people each year in the US. Many different things such as a major life change or crisis, family history of depression, serious loss, financial problems, or chronic illness can lead to depression. Some of the symptoms are persistent sadness, loss of interest in activities that are usually pleasurable, sleeping too much or too little, eating too much or too little, lack of energy and difficulty staying focused.
If you feel you may be experiencing depression, it is important to address it as early as possible. Depression can have an impact on your health and will not just go away. You may want to start addressing your concerns by TALKING TO SOMEONE YOU TRUST! It may be a family member, friend, preacher or clergyman, or a teacher. In addition to utilizing your natural support system, it may be helpful to talk to a professional such as someone on the CF team. That person will be able to refer you for appropriate treatment for your depression. If you are not sure you are depressed, but are noticing differences in the way you feel emotionally, it may help to talk to someone anyway.There are many different options for treatment of depression. These include:
- Children's Behavioral Health - psychiatric services through Children's Hospital.
- Children's Harbor - Free counseling and supportive services offered.
- Your local mental health center.
- Your church may offer counseling and other supportive services.
- The Internet
It may also be beneficial for parents of people with CF to attend support groups that are available (see calendar of events). The Internet also can be a great source of support for parents and people with CF. This is a way for people with CF to talk to each other without having to be concerned about cross-infection.