Depression

Is a common but serious mood disorder. It causes severe symptoms that affect how a person feels, thinks, and handles daily activities, such as sleeping, eating, or working” (NIMH, 2023).

Symptoms

Depression is also known as major depression, major depressive disorder, or clinical depression. Symptoms can very from person to person, but they may include:

What Causes Depression?

Depression can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetics, environmental factors, and life events such as trauma, loss, or stress. Chemical imbalances in the brain can also cause depression.

Here are some risk factors that can increase a persons chances of some being diagnosed with depression:

  • Having blood relatives who have had depression

  • Experiencing traumatic or stressful events, such as physical or sexual abuse, the death of a loved one, or financial problems

  • Experiencing a major life change

  • Having a medical problem

  • Taking certain medications

  • Using alcohol or drugs

    For more information visit: https://www.cdc.gov/

Treatment Options

There are several effective treatments for depression, including therapy, medication, or a combination of the two. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a prevalent form of therapy.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): A form of psychological treatment that has been demonstrated to be effective for a range of problems including depression, anxiety disorders, alcohol and drug use problems, marital problems, eating disorders, and severe mental illness (“What Is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?,” 2017).

Depression and Suicide

People who are depressed sometimes have thoughts of hurting themselves or committing suicide. Some potential risk factors for suicide are: presence of mental illness and/or substance abuse, access to firearms or other lethal means, social isolation, lack of natural supports, recent life stressors including eviction, job loss, divorce, or foreclosure (Suicide Surveillance Report and Alert, 2021).

Ultimately, with the spike in suicide rates, the state of Arizona hopes to provide more resources like 24-hour crisis lines and amplify outreach and treatments to restore hope. 

If you or someone you know is having thoughts about hurting themselves or committing suicide‚ please seek immediate help. The following resources can help:

  • Call or text the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

  • Go to the nearest hospital emergency department for emergency medical treatment.

  • Seek a mental health provider

  • Speak to someone you trust (friend, loved one, family member, etc.)

  • Speck to someone within your community, join a support group

    For more information visit: https://www.cdc.gov/

Practice Self-Care

References

Depression and Anxiety. (2023, March 14). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/campaign/tips/diseases/depression-anxiety.html