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MENTAL ILLNESS

This is a hard topic for me. There is alot of shame attached to the words "mental illness". I have suffered from depression and have an anxiety disorder and through help from many forms, I am a happy woman today.

Depression
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, more than 17 million Americans develop depression each year -- that's 1 out of every 7 people. Chances are, at some point in your life, you or someone you know will become depressed. And depression doesn't discriminate - both women and men can be affected.

There are several signs and symptoms that help a doctor know if a person has depression. If you or someone you know has had at least 5 of the following symptoms for most of the day, nearly every day for more than 2 weeks, depression may be present:

• Feelings of sadness, depressed mood, and/or irritability
• Loss of interest or pleasure in activities, such as hobbies or spending time with family/friends
• Changes in weight or appetite
• Changes in sleeping pattern - they sleep too much or cannot sleep at all
• Feelings of guilt, hopelessness, or worthlessness
• Inability to concentrate, remember things, or make decisions
• Constant fatigue or loss of energy
• Restlessness or decreased activity
• Recurrent thoughts of suicide or death

Depression is not a mere case of the blues. It is a serious medical illness that requires treatment, just like diabetes, asthma, or heart disease. Depression isn't something to be ashamed of, nor is it a character flaw or a sign of weakness. No one with depression can just "snap out of it." You wouldn't expect someone to just "snap out of" diabetes or some other serious disease.

Depression is a very treatable illness and you or your loved one can get better with appropriate medical treatment and support .

For more information about depression, including educational brochures and videos, please contact the following organizations:

National Institute of Mental Health
National Alliance for the Mentally Ill
National Mental Health Association
National Depressive and Manic Depressive Association

More information on the following topics associated with mental illness:
Bipolar illness
Attention Defiicit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Anxiety Disorders
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PSTD)

Article:A Parents Guide to Childhood Mental Health Disorders: Understanding Diagnosis

Article: Depressed Teenagers: The Problem, Risks, Signs, and Solutions

Article: "What's Wrong with Me?" -- Quick Overview of the DSM-IV

This information provided by Forest Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

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