MEDCD_Depression_PublicHealth2011

Mental Health / Public Health Integration Project: 

Mental Health / Public Health Integration Project Focusing on raising awareness of depression in the general population.

Depression is a medical illness: 

Depression is a medical illness “Life is full of good times and bad, happiness and sorrow. But if you've been feeling ‘down’ for more than a few weeks or are having difficulty functioning in daily life, you may be experiencing more than just the ‘blues.’ You may be suffering from a common yet serious medical illness called clinical depression.” Mental Health America

Symptoms of depression can include…: 

Symptoms of depression can include… Sadness Loss of interest or pleasure in activities previously enjoyed Change in weight (increase or decrease) Difficulty sleeping or oversleeping Energy loss Feelings of worthlessness Thoughts of death or suicide

Maine facts: 

Maine facts Lifetime prevalence 1 in 5 Mainers will experience depression at some point in their life. Current prevalence 1 in 12 Mainers (about 75,000 adults) currently experience symptoms of depression.

Why is this important?: 

Why is this important? Depression is very common. It is likely that most Mainers will either experience or know someone who will experience a depressive episode at some point in their life.

Depression can affect your health: 

Depression can affect your health Depression is associated with: Higher rates of chronic conditions, such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease Riskier health behavior, such as tobacco use and poor eating Both physical complaints, such as headache and fatigue, and mental complaints, such as forgetfulness

Depression hurts : 

Depression hurts It can interfere with an individual’s work, school, relationships and family life. Persons with both depression and various chronic diseases have poorer outcomes – both with their mental and physical well-being.

Effective treatment is available: 

Effective treatment is available Medication Counseling with a mental health professional, especially with one experienced in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Self-help activities

What can you do?: 

What can you do? Talk to your physician If you are having thoughts of self harm, talk to someone that you trust If you or someone that you know is in a crisis: Call the Maine Statewide Crisis Center at 1-888-568-1112 lines are open 24/7

Resources: 

Resources Depression support groups are listed in 2-1-1 www.211maine.org NAMI Maine:  (800) 464-5767 or email ccantybrooks@namimaine.org Some community mental health partners have developed support groups Depression education materials from MaineHealth www.mmc.org/mh_body.cfm?id=3017 Mental Health America depression facts: www.mentalhealthamerica.net/go/depression MedLinePlus depression facts: www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/depression.html