I was talking with an adjuster friend the other day who was lamenting that "his life was in the toilet." Alarmingly, he had lost his appetite, was losing weight, and not sleeping well. He'd had a battery of expensive diagnostic tests, but his doctor could not find anything physically wrong.
Although I'm not a doctor, I dove right in! "It's all in your head," I said, only half joking. "Sometimes even a doctor can't see the forest for the trees.
"You've got a high-stress job with a heavy case load [he works claims in Florida], and I'll bet you're clinically depressed. A job like yours can do that to you."
Well, you'd have thought I just slugged him. "I'm not a mental case," was his agitated response.
After I got him to calm down, we got on the Internet and discovered the symptoms of clinical depression. Some are subtle and others can hit you like a ton of bricks. We all should visit www.everydayhealth.com and see if we have any of these telltale signs:
I feel sad or irritable.
I have lost interest in activities I used to enjoy.
I'm eating much less than I usually do and have lost weight, or I'm eating much more than I usually do and have gained weight.
I am sleeping much less or more than I usually do.
I have no energy or feel tired much of the time.
I feel anxious and can't seem to sit still.
I feel guilty or worthless.
I have trouble concentrating or find it hard to make decisions.
I have recurring thoughts about death or suicide, I have a suicide plan, or I have tried to commit suicide.
If you have any number of these signs, get yourself to a doctor or therapist. Then together you can decide on a treatment plan to alleviate your distress. In addition, the following practical suggestions may help you navigate safely through this difficult time:
Ask a friend or family member to accompany you to your first appointment to help describe your problem, assist you in getting treatment, or simply offer support.
Take medications as directed. Don't skip pills or change doses without consulting your doctor. Also, report any side effects right away, and if necessary, talk to your doctor about adjusting your treatment plan.
Set realistic goals for yourself. Try not to take on more than you can handle.
Join in activities, and try not to isolate yourself from others. Depending on your personal preferences, attending religious services, having a meal with an understanding friend, or going to a movie, ball game, or concert may help lift your mood.
Try to exercise regularly or take a daily walk.
Hold off on making big decisions — about moving, changing jobs, getting married, or seeking a divorce — until your depression has eased or is under control.
If you decide to try a "natural" remedy, such as St. John's wort, ask your doctor or pharmacist whether it might interact with any other medication you're taking.
Friends and family often want to help. Let them.
By monitoring your mental health, you may be able to keep yourself physically fit as well. And in doing so, you'll also improve your performance and give better service to claimants.
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