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McFarlands Present Public Health Lecture On Depression
“Depression—The Inner Fight with Self” was the focus of a public health lecture
at Northeast Alabama Community College on November 14 as part of a series of
free lectures on health issues for people in the College’s service area. The
lecture was presented by Dr. Arlene McFarland, a psychologist, and Dr. Thomas
McFarland, a medical physician. Approximately 100 people attended the
presentation given in the college’s Health Education Center.
The McFarlands were introduced by Dr. David Campbell, NACC President, who said,
“We welcome you and thank you for being here today. This is a new area and topic
for our health lecture series. As research has shown, depression is an illness
that can lead to other health problems while frequently being debilitating in
itself.” He explained that the Health Care Lecture Series was begun in
conjunction with the opening of the new Health Education Center with a focus on
preventive health care through education. Dr. Campbell expressed appreciation to
Susan Barron, Director of Event Planning at NACC, for putting the program
together.
The McFarlands thanked those in attendance and expressed appreciation for the
opportunity to speak on the issues of depression and coping skills for this very
common problem that affects us and our families and friends. With the holidays
approaching, problems with depression are on the increase. The McFarlands gave
information on personal theories of depression, physical complaints of
depression, seasonal affective disorder, exercise to help depression, and
effects of depression on any status of person. The theories of depression
include biologic, anger turned inward, results of a negative environment,
perception problems, and learned behaviors. Therapy works for depression.
Medicine is only a band aid if one does not get to the root of the problem.
Support groups help those depressed to get better. Solutions for depression that
work are exercise, connections (face to face, not technological), having a
purpose, spiritual acceptance, and medicine. Medications usually help within two
months and patients begin to feel better. Depression is sometimes brought on by
an illness that needs to be treated. “But there is hope, hope that one can get
better. Seek help; it will make a difference. You don’t have to be miserable,”
said Dr. Thomas McFarland.
After the presentation, the McFarlands answered questions from the audience.
For more information about the NACC Public Health Care Lecture
Series, contact Ms. Susan Barron, Director of Events Planning at
NACC, at barrons@nacc.edu
or telephone ext. 248.
Pictured at the NACC public health lecture are Dr. David Campbell,
NACC President; Susan Barron, Director of Events Planning at NACC; Dr. Arlene
McFarland; Dr. Thomas McFarland; and Dr. Ben Knox, Counselor and
Psychology Instructor at NACC.
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