Depression
Becca Meusch
Definition
· A disorder that effects your mood and causes long-term feelings of sadness and loss of interest.
· If the depression is major is can affect how you feel, think and behave and can lead to emotional and physical problems.
· It can make you feel like life isn't worth living and cause thoughts of self-harm.
Statistics
· Depression affects 14.8 million American adults, or about 6.7 percent of the U.S. population age 18 and older, in a year.
· The median age depression occurs at is age 32.
· Women experience depression twice the rate as men do.
· One in 33 children experience depression.
· People with depression are four times as likely to experience a heart attack without a history of illness.
· 25% of cancer patients experience depression.
· 27% of individuals with substance abuse disorders (both alcohol and other substances) experience depression.
Tips
· Build friendships and relationships that are supportive of you.
· Keep up with social activities even if you don’t want to.
· Join a support group.
· Think positive and avoid negative thoughts and don’t be so hard on yourself.
· Take care of yourself by getting enough sleep, sunlight, keeping stress out of your way, relaxing, getting regular exercise, and eating healthy and mood-boosting food.
· Caring for a pet can reduce depression.
· Know when to get additional help.
Resources
· If you or someone you know has thoughts of death or suicide, call toll-free (800) 273-TALK (800-273-8255) or 9-1-1 immediately.
· Local supports in Nebraska can be found in Omaha and Bellevue Nebraska. Contact info:
o Depression and Bipolar Supportive Alliance
Omaha New Hope
Contact 1: Information Line- Todd Banchor
Phone: (402) 502-4673 or (402) 492-1788
Email: newhope.dbsa@gmail.com
Website: http://www.omahanewhope.com
Sources
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/depression/basics/definition/con-20032977
http://www.dbsalliance.org/site/PageServer?pagename=education_statistics_depression
http://www.helpguide.org/mental/depression_tips.htm
http://www.chicagonow.com/recipes-for-the-home-cook/2014/08/robin-williams-death-depression/
http://www.dbsalliance.org/site/PageServer?pagename=peer_support_group_locator