Depression is Common

Depression is one of the most common brain illnesses – affecting 1 in 5 women and 1 in 15 men. 80% to 90% of those with depression can recover with early and proper treatment, yet two-thirds of those with depression do not seek help. Untreated, it often leads to substance abuse as self-medication. 95% of all suicides are caused by persons with depression or bipolar disorder. As many as 15% of persons with these mental illnesses who are not properly treated will kill themselves.

There are no blood tests or other simple diagnostic procedures to diagnose depression. A person experiencing four or more symptoms of the following list, for over two weeks warrants an evaluation. These include:

-Prolonged sadness or unexplained crying spells

-Significant changes in appetite (gain or lose weight)

-Significant changes in sleep patterns (too much or too little)

-Irritability, anger, worry, anxiety

-Pessimism, apathy

-Feelings of guilt, worthlessness

-Inability to take pleasure in former interests

-Social withdrawal

-Unexplained aches and pains

-Recurring thoughts of death or suicide

Primary care doctors are beginning to administer depression screening. These physicians often order medications to treat mild to moderate depression. A psychiatrist is the doctor who specializes in brain illnesses.

See more information and resources here, including our bi-weekly confidential support group here at Community UMC:

Mental Health Matters - Matthews Hands

by Angela D. Vickers, JD