April Featured Story – World Health Day 2017: Depression
World Health Day 2017 is on Friday, April 7th, and the theme this year is Depression: Let’s Talk. Depression is a reality for 350 million people around the world, and 16 million American adults. Depression is defined by the World Health Organization as an illness characterized by persistent sadness and a loss of interest in activities that one normally enjoys, accompanied by an inability to carry out daily activities. Symptoms of depression include loss of energy, sleeping pattern changes, anxiety, feelings of worthlessness or hopelessness, and thoughts of self-harm or suicide. Depression can and does affect people of all demographics, but the illness has the highest incidence in adolescents (or young adults), women of childbearing age (particularly after childbirth), and adults over 60. The two main treatments for depression are anti-depressants, and talking therapy. Simply speaking to someone, whether it be a friend, colleague, family member, or a licensed professional, about depression makes a world of difference in those afflicted. That is why the Let’s Talk campaign is the main drive behind the World Health Day 2017 efforts.
The following video produced by the World Health Organization addresses how to get help if you are depressed, as well as how to properly help a person suffering from depression.
Metro Community Health Center would like to encourage any patients who are experiencing or know someone experiencing depression to stop by on April 7thbetween 1:00pm and 4:30 pm to meet with our LCSW for depression education, psychiatric referrals, or counseling. A table will be set up in the waiting room with literature on depression and suicide, as well as some tasty snacks! In addition, a private area will be available to discuss possible treatments and questions in regards to this illness.