Take care of your mental health
by Gina DeMent, Public Information Officer
Five County Mental Health Authority
October is National Mental Health Awareness Month and has also been designated as a month to conduct screenings for depression.
Everyone gets down from time to time, but sometimes it’s more than just the blues.
Clinical depression is a common medical illness affecting more than 19 million Americans each year. It is a real illness that can be treated effectively. Unfortunately, fewer than half the people who have this illness seek treatment.
Too many people believe that it is a normal part of life and that they can treat it themselves.
Like screenings for other illnesses, depression screenings should be a routine part of healthcare. Health screenings provide a way to spot the first signs of serious illness and can reach people who might not otherwise seek professional medial advice.
Why Screen for Depression?
Depression is a serious medical illness.
Depression can lead to suicide.
Depression affects men and women of all ages, races and socioeconomic groups.
One in four women and one in ten men will experience depression at some point during their lifetime.
Two thirds of those suffering from the illness do not seek the necessary treatment.
Depression can co-occur and complicate other medical conditions.
More than 80% of all cases of clinical depression can be effectively treated with medication, psychotherapy or a combination of both.
Screenings are often the first step in getting help.
People suffering from depression often experience some of these key symptoms:
A lengthy period of sadness
Feeling hopeless or worthless
Lack of interest in usual activities
Problems thinking or remembering
Sleeping too much or too little
Change in appetite (no appetite or eating excessively)
Thinking about or attempting suicide
The following are valuable steps you can take to help maintain your mental health:
Take medication as prescribed; discuss medication problems with your physician or other health professional
Talk to supportive people
Eat nutritious food
Get regular exercise, such as walking
Let sunshine into your home/room; go outside daily if the weather is suitable
Try not to worry about things you cannot control. If you are worrying, talk it over with a person you trust
Do not watch television news coverage of tragedies such as the hurricane and flooding, war, automobile tragedies, shootings, or other disturbing events repeatedly or for prolonged periods of time; it may be helpful to listen to the audio and not look at all of the pictures which are shown of certain events. You may benefit from not reading or listening to all details of court trials, if possible.
Do not overspend. Financial problems will only increase your suffering in the long run
Do not spend too much time alone
If you are suffering from depression, seek professional help. If someone you know is suffering from depression or severe stress, encourage them to seek help.
Five County Mental Health Authority staff will offer brief, confidential screenings for symptoms of depression during the month of October.
For mental health services or information regarding Octobers free depression screenings, call Five County Mental Health Authority at 252-430-3031. If you have suicidal thoughts or know someone who is suicidal, please call our Toll free Helpline Number at 1-877-619-3761 or 911 immediately. It is better to be safe than sorry!