Writing for the Sciences Miriam Mendez
May 17, 2022

Interview
What is depression? How does depression affect someone and how can we treat it?

In this interview, it will be discussed what depression is in the eyes of nurse Michie Perez. Michie is a nurse who takes care of patients who suffer from depression. She has been doing her line of work for 7 years and has learned a lot through the years. I sat down on the phone with Michie to discuss some questions I myself might have and others could have as well.

Q1: What is depression?
A1: Depression is a constant feeling of sadness and loss of interest. It is a mood disorder that runs along a spectrum. It can range anywhere from a mild adjustment disorder to a major depressive disorder. An adjustment disorder is short-term while a major disorder is one that can be very serious if it isn’t addressed.

Q2: Why is it important to report symptoms of depression to your doctor?
A2: It is important to report symptoms of depression to your doctor because other medical considerations need to be evaluated. For example, one can come in for a visit because they’re experiencing their heart pounding 140 beats per minute due to anxiety. However, it is not because the patient has an anxiety disorder, but because the patient is anemic. Therefore, the patient needs a different kind of treatment.

Q3:What symptoms of depression may be noticeable to others?
A3: Patients with depression often lose interest in everyday things they loved doing or used to make them happy. One can notice a shift in their activities or their mood.You might find someone with depression that is not doing much with their day and isn’t engaging in activities like they used to.

Q4:When should the doctor be informed of the patient’s depression?
A4: Well first, there should be some discussion between the patient and doctor about the patient’s symptoms. It is important, not only to take care of a patient’s physical state but also their emotional state. If depression is interfering with a patient’s ability to function or participate in their own treatment, it should be brought to a doctor’s attention.

Q5: Why should patients seek treatment for depression?
A5: It is a stigma in society that depression patients are often untreatable, that they will be depressed forever. That is most definitely not the case. It is important for patients and caregivers to understand that depression is a treatable disorder. Additionally, they do not have to live with these conditions forever. Patients and their families should know these feelings are common and

are nothing to be ashamed or afraid about. If left untreated, depression can have an affect on their ability to cope, adhere to treatment, and have an adverse effect on survival.

Q6:What kinds of treatments are used to treat depression?
A6: Well, there are a lot of treatments that can be used. A treatment most commonly used are therapies such as psychotherapy and medications. Psychotherapy can be done in a group setting or one-on-one. A brief therapy session can go a long way and can be effective in preventing depression from becoming a full blown major depression. Antidepressants are a form of medication/therapy. A combination of these two can really help the patient.

Q7:What are some techniques for managing depression?
A7: I myself am actually a big fan of distraction. It helps keep the mind from the negative thoughts patients could have. Patients should try and focus on something that takes their mind off depression. Oftentimes I find myself trying to find out what the patients liked to do and try to relive the happy memories they had while doing those activities.

Q8: What is postpartum depression?
A8: Postpartum depression is where you’re going to feel intense feelings of sadness and you don’t like feeling like doing anything at all, same as regular depression. It is normal for moms to feel anxious or sad or even tearful after having a baby. However, postpartum depression is really when you start having those intense feelings after two weeks of delivering.

Q9: Is anyone at higher risk for postpartum depression, and who might that be?
A9: People who are at a higher risk are people who have had depression before in their lives. It is very important to let your OBGYN know if you have had depression before. As well as trauma you’ve experienced before, like a death in your family, or etc, in that first stage of becoming a mom, it can make you vulnerable. Women who do not have social support can feel like they are isolated and are also at a high risk.

Q10:Do you have any advice for loved ones who may be worried about a new mom who’s not herself?
A10: Yes of course! I would like to start off by saying, please do not hesitate to contact anybody. Of course make sure you trust them enough with your feelings and make sure they can provide the emotional support you need. Your partner can be your best friend in this situation. You both are going through these stages together and they can be tough but they can provide the shoulder to cry on. Never ever stay quiet about your feelings!

Works Cited
Perez, Michie. Personal Interview by Miriam Mendez. 15 May 2022. Phone Conference.