Depression Can Be the Tip of an Iceberg

Consider two people who were diagnosed with depression. Although each person has the same diagnosis, they have their own personal narrative and clinical history. For example:

• A 20-year-old college student after a breakup with his girlfriend.
• A 36-year-old professional after quitting her job.

What if we learned that the 20-year-old college student had a childhood history of separation anxiety with an abusive and (at times) neglectful family? In his relationship, he became fearful of intimacy and became unfaithful to his girlfriend, leading to the breakup. In another iteration of the patient’s narrative, he started to emotionally and physically disconnect from his social relationships, stopped going to school and work, and consumed marijuana in high amounts.

What if we learned that the 36-year-old professional was underperforming at work due to an inability to manage all her tasks and responsibilities that bring her to feel “overwhelmed,” along with mood swings that have interfered with work relationships? In another iteration, she lost her mother a year ago to cancer and dove into her work immediately after that loss. In yet another iteration, she recently returned from maternity leave and began experiencing sleeplessness and an alternation between jubilance and energy, and depression.

In each of these narratives and clinical histories are the underlying and contributing factors to their depression. Each person has a story to tell and a reason for their depression. It is not only important from a human perspective, but essential for a diagnostic and treatment approach.

Read the complete article available at Psychology Today!

Reflection:

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