Paddy Kutz, Mental Health Association

Another sleepless night…what’s going on? Many Americans experience difficulty sleeping some of the time, and up to 40% of us often have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep.

Environmental factors may contribute to difficulty sleeping, including temperature, noise, and light. In these cases changing the environment, if possible, may be the best way to bring about improved sleep.

Physical factors may also impede sleep, and these include illness, pain, certain medications, restless leg syndrome and sleep apnea. Temporary stress and anxiety are also causal factors.

Persistent sleeplessness sometimes is more than sleeplessness. Sometimes it is a sign, even the first sign, of a serious illness. So often when people describe their symptoms, the inability to sleep restfully is one of their biggest worries.

Having difficulty falling and/or staying asleep may be an indicator of a mood disorder such as depression. This possibility should be considered especially when difficulty sleeping is combined with one or more of these additional symptoms:

* Sad, empty, irritable or tearful mood most of the day, nearly every day

* No interest in or pleasure from activities you once enjoyed

* Major changes in appetite or body weight

* Feelings of restlessness or being slowed down

* Fatigue, exhaustion, lack of energy

* Feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt

* Inability to concentrate or make decisions

* Thoughts of death or suicide

If you or someone you care about have been experiencing symptoms like these, or if you want to learn more about depression and bipolar disorder, please call the Mental Health Association of Licking County at 740-522-1341. The MHA can educate you, provide a free screening, invite you to one of our free support groups and make a referral for recovery and treatment services.

Many children experience normal disruptions in sleep such as nightmares, night terrors and even occasional sleepwalking. But as we have come to understand mood disorders in children, we have begun to recognize that dismissing serious symptoms as “just a phase” has often meant delays in obtaining proper diagnosis and treatment. Children don’t understand what is going on inside their heads. They may be anxious and fearful and not even know why. They depend on their parents and guardians to observe, ask questions, investigate and, when necessary, lead them to treatment.

Depression is a real illness, it is very common, and it is treatable. Don’t stigmatize yourself or your family by not reaching out for help. We can give clear, concise and accurate information as well as someone to talk to via our support groups, so seeking help doesn’t seem quite so frightening.

We are a member agency of United Way, NAMI, and the Community Mental Health and Recovery Board.