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David M. Perkins letter in the speakout column Jan.22,2007 touched me deeply.He is correct that depression can strike anyone at anytime.He is right that it is misunderstood and people who never have gone through it don’t understand,It is not one of those things you just, “ snap out of. “ Anyone at anytime can suffer depression.Often it is a traumatic event that triggers it.For me it was the death of my mother.I watched for 6 weeks as she died a horrlble death.I too went in and out of treatments and drugs.I don’t think the Dr.s even understand it.They either over medicate or under medicate.
Employers will never accept depression. It is often a long term illness and needs many different Dr’s,many different medication’s,time off for appointment’s and insurance.Employer’s are not happy when insurance is used as often as it is needed by a person with depression.It is a long term illness and the medications are very costly and are changed regularly until the right one is found for that person.
Depression isn’t a once a year check-up. It could be once a week,once a month,but it is a long term process.It’s been 4 years since the death of my mother and I am finally on one medication and doing much better.It was pure hell getting to this point.Employers will see you as an insurance liability,days missed,mentally not able to handle everyday work,work long hours etc.. In other words if you suffer from depression you are a liability for a company.
I am fortunate that I don’t have to work.As for the millions out there that do you will get the complimentary one week of understanding from your employer after your traumatic event that will trigger your depression.After that you are a liability and subject to termination.You have one week to snap out of it or hide it very well.You have my sympathy.
Tracey L. Fanning
Thornton

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