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The Boomer Generation Faces Depression

Let's face it, the shiny polish that once reflected off the boomer generation is beginning to get a little tarnished. We are aging a bit and with that comes the reality of a cloud of gloom once called the blues. In reality it is depression. Do we recognize the "old" person we see in the mirror? We're now over 30 and part of the establishment we once mistrusted!

In the past we've gone through all sorts of psycho-babble and changes in the way society said we should think. We've gone from hearing the first sonic boom to seeing man walk on the moon; some of our dads returned home from WWII and we've lived to see 9/11. We've been told "I'm OK, You're OK" and then wondered what the heck is going on as we watch society seemingly implode on itself. Is there any wonder our minds and emotions just might be on overload at this point? It's enough to make anyone depressed.

In reality depression is not an illness that just afflicts our generation. It can visit the young - it knows no boundary. Truth be known, there in no one single cause of depression. There can be physical reasons behind the onset of depression.

Let's exam some of the causes:

1. Family history : Yes, it can run in the family. That manic aunt may have been bipolar, or melancholy granddad may have been suffering from depression. But, just because it's in the genes doesn't mean you'll automatically become depressed - just be aware of the symptoms.

2. Stress : Raise your hand if you don't have stress in your life. That's what I thought - everyone does. Some of us handle it better, but stress can certainly trigger depression, especially long term stress. De-stress your life whenever possible.

3. Illness : I can vouch for this one! Long term and/or chronic illness is a stressor. It can certainly lead to depression. Face it, it sucks to be sick. Who likes to hurt all the time? It was hard for me to face the lose of certain parts of my life once I was diagnosed with autoimmune disorders. Watch out for hypothyroidism, because it too can lead to depression.

4. Medication: This one goes with the one above - sort of. Certain medication can cause depression, so beware. That's like the dog biting the hand that feeds it - sad but true. And, beware, some meds for depression may not be for you or work for you. This is where you will need to consult and work with your physician.

5. Hormones: Once again, this kind of ties in with the two above. Hypothyroidism is an autoimmune disorder and can

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