Spike in Anxiety & Depression?
By: WROC-TV
Updated: July 10, 2009
"They were always like Cheryl's never going to be able to take care of herself."
But, 38 year old Cheryl Vining does very well everyday. She's battled depression, anxiety and anorexia.
"I was depressed and then I stopped eating," says Vining who took charge of her problem by seeking therapy, "it was the best thing I've ever done. I mean, I never thought that therapy would be so helpful."
"When you get to the point where you see that it's affected your life, you're having relationship problems, you're having trouble working. That's a good sign that it's time to get some help," says Dr. Joe Vasile, chief of psychiatry at Rochester General Hospital.
"Sometimes when someone is depressed, it's not who they really are," says Vasile.
The signs of depression include: low mood, changes in sleep patterns, lack of appetite, irritability and anger as well as a lack of concentration.
"You go through denial, you think that nothing's wrong with you, this is just, you know, I'll get over it and then you do have to admit to yourself that 'I do have a problem' and I need to do something about it," says Vining.
"There's all kinds of talk therapy that's tremendously successful,” says Vasile.
In some cases, medication may accompany therapy. The most important part is recognizing the problem and getting help.
"You can just start by saying: I'm concerned about you and let's talk about what's going on," says Vasile.
"Don't give up, be determined and be strong," says Vining.
Friday, October 10th Rochester General Hospital will host a free mental health screening from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The screenings will be held on the hospital’s second floor, through the main entrance on Portland Avenue. For more information on depression call Rochester General’s information line: (585) 922-LINK
