October 27, 2009
For the past two years I have been helping a family member in his early 40s with severe depression. To an outsider he seemed fine: good job, wife, two beautiful daughters, but he was not happy. He was self medicating with alcohol, and lots of it. The more he drank, the more depressed he became, and the more depressed he was, the more he drank.During this downward spiral, he wrecked his car, lost his job and was asked by his wife to move out of the family home. During this same time, he tried to commit suicide three times, the most recent time was just a few weeks ago while in a psychiatric hospital. Fortunately none of these attempted suicides were successful nor did they cause any permanent damage.Exhaustively we have tried almost every option. He has been admitted to numerous alcohol treatment programs, halfway houses, dual diagnosis programs and psychiatric hospitals. He has met with doctors, psychiatrists, psychologists, counselors, addiction specialists, and interventionists. He tried traditional and non-traditional treatments such as medications, AA meetings, vitamins, exercise, and biofeedback/neuro-feedback. He is how undergoing electroshock treatment, also known as electroconvulsive therapy or ECT.When the doctors first told us they wanted to use electroshock therapy, we immediately thought of the movie “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest.” In the 1975 film, Jack Nicholson’s character, Randle Patrick McMurphy, was given this treatment as punishment. Today’s electroshock is different than it was in the 1960s with much better results and far fewer side effects. As of this writing, all I can state is that he is in a safe place, and appears to be making progress. We are hopeful that this could be “the one” that helps him.Fortunately for our family, all suicide attempts were close to home, close to hospitals and we were able to quickly get medical treatment. If these had happened at sea, the outcome could have been totally different and would have definitely been more complicated.Recognizing depression either in yourself or someone else is the first step. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, symptoms of depression may include the
following:
- Appetite loss or overeating
- Difficulty concentrating, remembering details, and making decisions
- Fatigue and decreased energy
- Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, and/or helplessness
- Feelings of hopelessness and/or pessimism
- Insomnia, early-morning wakefulness, or excessive sleeping
- Irritability, restlessness
- Loss of interest in activities or hobbies once pleasurable, including sex
- Persistent aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems that do not ease even with treatment
- Persistent sad, anxious or empty feelings
- Thoughts of suicide, suicide attempts
About 18.8 million American adults, or about 9.5 percent of the U.S. population age 18 and older, have some form of depression. Women are almost twice as likely as men to be diagnosed with it. Women between the ages of 25-44 are most often affected by depression with a major cause being the inability to express or handle anger.Depression can affect anyone, regardless of age, location or social position. This means that depression could just as easily affect the yacht’s owner or the captain as any other member of the crew.As with my family member, depression can also be coupled with anxiety disorders and substance abuse. I have seen the medications prescribed for anxiety become part of the problem as these anxiety medications can easily be abused.People suffering from depression or anxiety for long periods of time are significantly more likely to have cardiovascular disease, diabetes, asthma and obesity. They typically lead an unhealthy lifestyle, not exercising, smoking, and drinking heavily. Depression carries a high risk of suicide. Anyone who expresses suicidal thoughts should be taken seriously. Do not hesitate to call the local suicide hotline immediately. In the United States, call 1-800-SUICIDE for help.Here are some of the warning signs for depressed people who may be contemplating suicide:
- Talking or thinking about death frequently
- Sudden change from being sad to being calm or happy
- Tempting fate by taking unnecessary risks (having a “death wish”)
- Not sleeping, not eating, sad and withdrawn
- Lose of interest in all activities
- Making comments about being stupid, hopeless, helpless, or worthless
- Creating a will, giving away prized possessions and getting affairs in order
- Comments such as “It would be better if I were dead” or “I wish I were never born”
- Talking about suicide and violence
If you, a crew member or guest onboard suffer from depression, seek early treatment while on dry land. At sea, resources are more limited. Keep a close watch on anyone who may be suicidal but it is impossible to monitor someone at all times. Preventing suicide is much easier than having to treat a failed attempt at sea. Review your medical/first aid kit now. Look to see what you need to stop bleeding or what you would use to treat poisoning from drug overdose. Make certain your oxygen cylinders are full and your masks are in good condition. You can’t plan when or if someone will commit suicide but being prepared to handle any and all medical emergencies is the best way to be safe at sea.In summary, the first step is recognizing the signs of depression. Step 2, convincing yourself or the depressed person to get treatment. Step 3, don’t give up on treatment. Keep working at feeling better.It’s been two years and my family has not given up hope. It’s not easy, but in the end it will be worth it.
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