Reading 19: DEPRESS YOUR DEPRESSION

READING 19

You should spend about 20 minutes on Questions 1 – 13 which are based on Reading 19.

DEPRESS YOUR DEPRESSION

A         Each year millions of people suffer from some form of depression. Researchers estimate as many as one out of every three people will develop depression at some point in their lives. Although the average depression lasts around six months, those with severe major depression or constant dysphoric depression may have symptoms that last for years. Some depressed individuals resort to suicide as a way of alleviating their anguish. Given the frequency with which depression occurs in our society, the length of time it can last, and the extent of debilitation that can result, methods for coping with this illness are essential. This article will provide several steps one can take in order to manage and overcome depression.

B         One of the most common treatments for depression is medication. There are several different drugs on the market that function by preventing the re-uptake of serotonin, dopamine, or some combination of neurotransmitters believed to be associated with depression. Different drugs have different effects on different people. One drug may work well for one person and have absolutely no effect for another.

C         Each medication can cause various side effects including, but not limited to, dry mouth, nausea, anxiety, insomnia, dizziness, sexual dysfunction, apathy, heart palpitations, and headaches. Some people may experience several side effects while others experience none. The more recently developed antidepressants typically produce fewer side effects. Usually, side effects dissipate in a few weeks after the body has become adjusted to the medication. Consumers are advised to start at the lowest dosage with small increments over a period of time until improvement is noticed. An antidepressant's effect may take several weeks before a positive result is noticed.

D         As antidepressants have to be prescribed by a psychiatrist or a physician, one should follow the drug regimen as advised. If a drug is taken irregularly or at the improper dosage, its effects may go unnoticed and side effects may appear. Once the proper medication at the most effective dosage has been obtained, drug therapy is typically maintained for a period of six months. However, some individuals may need to remain on the medication for a longer period of time or indefinitely. Regular appointments must be kept with one's doctor in order to monitor the drug's impact and one should never suddenly stop taking an antidepressant as this often results in drastic withdrawal reactions.

E          Psychotherapy or counseling is another common treatment for depression. Oftentimes, medication and psychotherapy are used together for optimum results. Psychotherapy involves meeting with a professional regularly in order to examine the possible causes of one's depression, to alter one's negative way of thinking, and to actively engage in activities that promote a healthier way of living. Most depressed people have negative thoughts about themselves and hold a very narrow view of the world. A therapist can assist an individual in identifying such negative self-talk and replacing it with positive self-talk, learning to view the world differently, and brainstorming solutions to his or her issues.

F          Group therapy is another avenue of treatment for people with depression. Such therapy provides structure and a sense of belonging in addition to allowing the exchange of participant ideas and feelings. Group therapy is typically led by a professional counselor and the group size varies. Number of sessions, length of each session, and participant age and gender varies between groups. There are also support groups available to help those with depression. Such groups allow members to openly share their feelings and receive acceptance from other group members. There is no leader (professional of otherwise) to direct such groups and there is no maximum number of sessions that one can attend.

G         Some people have found reading various self-help books to be of benefit in overcoming their depression. There are dozens of books out there and some even contain workbooks. One needs to be cautious regarding the qualifications of the author and of the "advice" given. Further, simply reading a book or two is unlikely to be of any assistance if the depression is severe or prolonged.

H         One cannot separate the mind from the body and treat them individually. Instead, a thorough treatment regimen should examine all aspects of a person's life. For instance, excessive amounts of caffeine consumption or otherwise poor eating habits may be a contributing factor in one's depression. Drinking alcohol and smoking cigarettes are depressants that should be avoided. Restricting one's food intake will inevitably negatively impact one's mood and state of mental health as food is essential for proper brain and body functioning. Hence, developing a healthy eating plan (NOT diet) may also help with one's depression.

I           Lack of exercise is also associated with depression. Regular exercise causes the brain to release endorphins and other chemicals that naturally help elevate mood. One need not run 20 kilometers a day or lift weights six hours a day to reap such benefits. Simply scheduling to go for a brisk walk 30 minutes a day four days a week will help a person's overall health.

J           Depression may be caused by one or a combination of factors and can take many forms. Depression often leaves sufferers immobilized and helpless as to solutions. Help is available in several forms with much success. All it takes is for you to initiate the first step for you are the only one responsible for your health. There was a life before depression and there can be a better life after it. If one avenue doesn't help, try another one and don't stop until something does. Remember, don't allow depression to depress you. Take control of your life and depress your depression!

Questions 1 – 5

Reading 19 has ten paragraphs A – J. Choose the most suitable headings for Paragraphs A –  C and H, J from the list of headings below. Write the appropriate numbers (i –x) in boxes 1 – 5 on your answer sheet.

NB      There are more headings than paragraphs so you will not use all of them. You may use any of the following headings more than once.

List of Headings

(i) Side-effects of medication

(ii) Advice on antidepressants

(iii) Depression and its impacts as a disease

(iv) Medication as a common treatment

(v) Psychotherapy

(vi) Role of exercise

(vii) Book reading as a therapy

(viii) Balancing the mind and the body

(ix) What to do with depression

(x) Group therapy

Example                      Paragraph D                         Answer (ii)

1. Paragraph A

2. Paragraph B

3. Paragraph C

4. Paragraph H

5. Paragraph J

Questions 6 – 7

Complete the sentences below. Choose NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS from the passage for each answer. Write your answers in boxes 6 – 7 on your answer sheet.

6. On the average, depression usually lasts … 6 ….

7. Typically the more recently developed depressants have … 7 …

Questions 8 – 13

Choose the appropriate letter A – D and write your answers in boxes 8 – 13 on your answer sheet.

8. In order to reduce their sufferings, some depressed individuals …

A. kill themselves.

B. try to be successful by taking drugs.

C. hope to have a good result.

D. seek some ways other than death.

9. Different drugs …

A. are designed specifically for different forms of depression.

B. will have the same effect upon different people.

C. work differently upon different people.

D. are manufactured by different companies.

10. Usually in a few weeks the side-effects of a drug will …

A. remain the same.

B. disappear gradually.

C. become stronger.

D. suddenly disappear.

11. Depressed patients should …

A. choose drugs that have no side-effects.

B. Start a lower dosage and gradually increase.

C. Stop taking drugs all at once.

D. Take drugs irregularly and at a big dosage.

12. To achieve the best results of treatment, psychotherapy should …

A. be used independently.

B. Be used together with exercise.

C. Be used with counseling.

D. Be used in combination with medication.

13. Alcohol and cigarettes can …

A. depress people and should be avoided.

B. reduce depression.

C. stop depression.

D. improve depression and should be used.