DEPRESSION By Muriel M. Davidson The weather is very damp and the sky is without a hint of sun! How often have we remarked or heard others say the "day is depressing!" However, as soon as the sun warms the earth, which lightens our moods, the depressive feeling disappears. Many are not so fortunate as he or she suffers from a disease caused by a possibly inherited gene, not the weather. I am referring to an honest-to-goodness illness -- clinical depression. This disease, unrecognized by many, is probably the biggest single medical cause behind most human sufferings and illnesses. This condition strikes as many as one of every five persons. Very often many who suffer from this common malady are undiagnosed. The victims of this genetically inherited disease are generally regarded as strange, weird, often unable to associate with others, which compounds and increases the problem. Personally I am one of the fortunate ones with diagnosis years ago. My two sons have also been diagnosed, but my daughter did not inherit this gene, nor did her children. There have been other family members known from previous generations. Sufferers of depression are all around us -- the homeless, the alcoholic, those trying to survive within the confines of society. The ailment has no class distinction, is a genetically inheritable disease -- very often family doctors prescribe sedating medication. There is still an age-old fear of psychiatrists -- often the patient is simply not referred. Close relatives refuse to accept the family member is a victim of an ancient gene, therefore not realizing the psychological condition is treatable not only by suitable medication, but mainly family understanding. Many with clinical depression, unlike the gloomy day depressives, often resort to alcohol, drugs, resorting to crime so more expensive drugs can be obtained. This is the way of dealing with how he or she feels. Many of the young people who commit suicide or fill our jails and prisons are victims of this age-old mood inhibitor. Although many have a high degree of intelligence, due to depression, they are unable to make friends, become loners and eventually many do commit suicide. - 8 - ----------------------------- Depression - Continued: The gene that causes clinical depression dates back to the cave age, is ancient and is not a mutant gene. Depressed brains do not function properly, very often there is a chemical imbalance. The inability to function properly is similar to brain wires being cut -- preventing the transmission of emotions and rational thoughts. The victims feel empty, unable to think, often unable to remain employed. An example of non-functioning brain wires is the inability to send an internet message when the server is unoperational. Many family researchers have studied Canadian census records of 1871, 1881, 1891and 1901 -- we are grateful for some of the personal questions asked by enumerators when it seems a family member "disappeared" -- yet still living. Working with church records, we find there generally is NO recorded trace of the relatives disappearance among our census records. Years ago, in my family, as in many other families, family members were admitted to the "county home" or "poor farm". with personal family history denoting a mental disorder. This disorder was possibly a form of depression -- unrecognized years ago. The family members disappeared without a trace because census records WERE NOT taken of institutional residents. Although alive, they were not included, unless residing in a community and he or she were listed as having a mental disability. We are thankful these intrusive questions were asked by the enumerators -- there is acceptance in knowing. My family members know I suffer from depression, have refused medication, but prefer my own "treatment" -- keep busy and active. I have accepted depression, part of the healing process -- often reading or crocheting is better than routine household chores. Part of my personal treatment is a great deal of "people contact":- 1. Coordinator of 150 knitters for Brampton Memorial Hospital maternity ward, a volunteer position -- my daughter is my "boss". 2. Eight family history books researched, printed and filed at National Archives. 3. Public relations for my Rebekah lodge, IOOF. 4. Recently serving as liaison for 31 local Brampton service clubs with the local city newspaper, where I had been womens editor. This is a challenge -- a first!! 5. An active member of the internet-based Canadian Census Release Committee. - 9 - ------------------------- Depression - Continued:- My two sons combat their depressive problems differently. The oldest son is in sales and administration at a large motorcycle shop, races motorcycles and gets rid of any nagging problems at the gym. The youngest son, a long-distance truck driver, has a chemical imbalance. He combats SADD by turning on lights to counteract lack of sun and Vitamin D, plus medication. In summary, many who suffer from depression could live a normal community life through acceptance. People need to be accepted for "what they can do" -- not "what they have". This is one strong way of living with a disease that dates back to the early days of mankind. As an active member of the internet-based Canadian Census Release Campaign, it is out sincere hope the Expert Panel will report favorably to have the 1911 and future Canadian census records made available for research by families faced with Genetically Inheritable Diseases. Many are anxiously awaiting your report. Thank you for serving on this appointed committee. Sincerely, Muriel M. Davidson 25 Crestview Avenue Brampton, ON L6W 2R8 <davidson3542@home.com> Depression - Continued:- The young people of today are intelligent, want to know family answers. Many denominational avenues of research are unavailable. It is for this reason the most accurate of all documents, our Canadian census records, must be released and made available to all. It is only through usage of the Post-1901 census records, young researchers will learn of any possibly inherited mental illness, to include depression. They will then be able to deal with it and prepared, so correct diagnosis may be made by our modern medical system.