Depression: A National Crisis

Depression truly is a National Health Crisis!
To be taken seriously, perhaps Depression needs a flashier and more dramatic name. Cancer, AIDS, Heart Attacks, and DWJ Deaths are names that demand attention. But, Depression ranks near the top of the disease list as a national health crisis. Depression, as a major disease, has a stigma. About half of all American adults think Depression is little more than a personal weakness. Too many people think Depression can he cured simply by pulling yourself up by your bootstraps.

It can't be cured that way!
Depression is a debilitating illness that strikes between 10 and 20 million Americans a year. Depression is a major contributing factor in sub-stance abuse, family distress, and sui-cide. Studies show 15 per cent of the untreated, severely depressed persons will kill themselves. If death is not frightening enough, Depression costs Americans some $30 billion a year, with half of that coming from absenteeism.

Depression is Treatable!

Remember . . . Depression won't cure itself . . . Effective treatment is available . . . Generally, treatment relieves symptoms quickly.

The diagnosis and treatment of depression is specialized and must be provided by trained mental health professionals. Inmost instances, the person suffering from Depression seeks professional help for the symptoms rather than the root problem. Often people come for treatment of symptoms like eating disorders, sleeping problems, alcohol and drug abuse, only to discover Depression is the actual cause.

Here are some of the classic symptoms of depression

• Feelings of sadness or irritability.
• Loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed.
• Changes in weight or appetite.
• Changes in sleep patterns.
• Feeling guilty, hopeless or worthless.
• Difficulty in concentrating, remembering things or making a decision.
• Fatigue or loss of energy. Restlessness, or decreased activity.
• Complaints of aches and pains when no medical explanation can be found.
• Thoughts of death or suicide (on this one, run for help this is deadly serious.