Clinical depression

1
Clinical depression
2
Chris eczema

• Chris is 34 years old and married with a young
  child
• He suffers from severe flare-ups which means he
  often needs to take time off work

3
Why might Chris struggle as a result of his
eczema?
Stress at home
Discrimination at work
Clinical depression
Social isolation
4
Chris thinks he might be depressed

• Chris work situation is becoming unbearable
  his employeris increasingly unsympathetic about
  how much time he istaking off
• His family are struggling financially
• Hes been dropped from his cricket team and feels
  cut off from his mates

5
From talking to Chris, what might indicate
depression?
Low self-esteem
Feelings of guilt
Loss of libido
Sleep disturbance or fatigue
Lack of interestin daily activities
Pessimism
6
What can you do to helpChris?
Consider whether yourlocal support
servicescould help Chris further
Direct him tosources of financial help
Reassure him that his feelingsare normal and
that eczemacan be emotionallyand financially
difficult
Talk to Chris abouthis condition andhow it
makes him feel
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Summary

• Negative feelings, and in extreme cases clinical
  depression, are common amongst eczema sufferers
• Clinical depression can exacerbate eczema, so
  lookingout for, and treating, it can improve a
  patients responseto their eczema treatment
• Listening to and reassuring Chris will help him
  to feelthat hes not alone
• Referring Chris to other healthcare
  professionals, will help him to get treatment
  for his emotional distress

8
Date of preparation March 2008 Code DIP/08-452