WWW.DEPRESSION-EVALUATION.COM
According to the World Health Organization (WHO) depression is the most common mental illness in the United States, affecting more that 26% of the U.S. population. By the year 2020, depression will be the second leading cause of disability throughout the world, trailing only ischemic heart disease. The World Health Organization (WHO) in conjunction with the World Federation of Metal Health (WFMH) emphasizes that depression can strike anyone at some point in their life, and for which they will need to receive psychological treatment (WHO, 2016). This disease (depression) has a good prognosis if it is treated appropriately.
Depression can be mild, moderate or severe and is caused by a complex interaction of social, psychological and biological factors. Depression treatment often involves more than just pharmaceutical (medication) treatment. Mild, moderate and severe depression is often successfully resolved with prescribed medication in combination with psychotherapy or counseling. Primary care physicians and psychologists (mental health professionals) may jointly treat depression. It has been estimated that around one million people die from suicide in the world, of which 63,000 live in the America's (WHO, 2016).
When individuals experience some of the following symptoms most of the day, nearly every day for at least 2 weeks, they are likely suffering from depression. 1. Persistent sad or anxious mood; 2. Feelings of hopelessness; 3. Irritability; 4. Feeling worthless; 5. Loss of interest and pleasure in daily activities; 6. Decreased energy or fatigue; 7. Difficulty concentrating; 8. Difficulty sleeping; 9. Non-diet weight loss; 10. Suicidal thoughts; 11. Suicide attempts, etc. Depression can happen at any age, but often begins in adulthood. Depression, especially in midlife or older adults, can co-occur with other severe medical illnesses, such as diabetes, heart disease, cancer, etc.
Depression, even the most severe cases, can be treated. The earlier that treatment can begin, the more effective it usually is. Depression is often treated with medications (M.D. prescribed) or psychotherapy (psychologists or mental health professionals), or a combination of the two.
Several types of psychotherapy or counseling can help people with depression. These include, but aren't limited to: Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Interpersonal Therapy (IPT), and Problem Solving Therapy (PST). If you think you be depressed, make an appointment to see your primary care physician, your internist or your health care provider (psychologist, or mental health practitioner who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of mental health conditions.
Interested parties are referred to: www.Anxiety-Depression-Assessment.com and www.Suicide-Risk-Assessment.com.