‘Tis The Season……
In this holiday season of good tidings and cheer, I wanted to reach out to so many of us that are, or have struggled with, DEPRESSION.
Affects 19 Million People In the U.S.
Women Are Twice As Likely To Experience Depression.
Major Depression Is The Leading Cause Of DISABILITY Worldwide.
Depression is the Cause of 2/3 of The 30,000 Suicides In The U.S. Each Year.
Untreated Depression Is The Number One Risk For Suicide Among Youth.
Young Males, Age 15-24, Have The Highest Rate of Suicide, With a Ratio of Male To Female, 7:1.
YOU ARE NOT ALONE. 
If you or a loved one are experiencing any of the following SYMPTOMS, please TALK to someone……your Doctor or HCP……Relative…..Friend……Religious Support…..Crisis Helpline
1. Decreased Energy
2. Loss of Appetite or Overeating
3. Excessive Sleep…..Insomnia….Early Morning Awakening
4. Thoughts of Hurting Yourself or Suicide
5. Feeling….Helpless…..Guilt…..Worthless…..Irritable….Restless
6. Aches/Pains/Digestive Symptoms That Do Not Resolve With Treatment
7. Sad…..Anxious…..Empty
8. Loss of Interest in Activities That Previously Caused Joy…..Including Sex
9. Difficulty Concentrating…..Remembering…..Making Decisions
**One Out of Every Ten People Who Experience Depression Commits Suicide**
Please GET HELP, If You Are Depressed!!!
TREATMENT:
1. Up to 80% of Those Treated See An Improvement In Their Symptoms Within 4-6 Weeks of…..Beginning Medication……Psychotherapy…….and/or Support Groups.
******50% of the Unsuccessful Treatment for Depression is Because of Medical Non-Compliance……Patients Stop Therapy Because of medication side effects….financial issues…..discontinuing therapy too soon……fears of addiction……experiences short term improvement*********
PLEASE Continue With Your Therapy, As Prescribed By Your Health Care Provider.
If You Do Not See Improvement, Or Are Uncomfortable With Your Provider, Contact Any Of The Crisis Hotline Information Below, Or Obtain A Second Opinion.
DO NOT GIVE UP!!!!!
RESOURCES:
The link below has a great questionnaire, to determine the potential cause of your symptoms, and to give you resources to help with your current condition.
If you or anyone else needs additional information, please check out the link below:
http://www.webmd.com/depression/default.htm
IF YOU ARE READY TO TALK……
http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org/
Call 24/7
1-800-273-8255 (TALK)
IF YOU ARE NOT READY TO TALK, BUT STILL NEED HELP….TEXT
TEXT “GO” TO 741-741
Crisis Text Line is a 24 hour service for all of those in need, regardless of your background or current issue.
If you need help and you feel like there is no one else….TEXT them and let someone help you.
TEXT “GO” TO 741-741
FREE…..24/7……..CONFIDENTIAL
http://www.crisistextline.org/who-we-are/
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline ‘1-800-273-TALK (8255)’
Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) (national headquarters)
#suicideprevention#suicide#gethelp#rethinkmentalillness
References:
1. https://www.rethink.org/diagnosis-treatment/conditions
2. https://www.rethinkdepression.com/a-g…/signs-of-depression/…
3. http://www.webmd.com/depression/guide/detecting-depression
4. http://www.dbsalliance.org/site/PageServer…
PLEASE remember that you are not alone and that there is always SOMEONE you can reach out to and talk to, no matter the time of DAY or NIGHT.
Please SHARE this information with any, and everyone, who could use SUPPORT during this holiday season and throughout the year.
As always,
Take care.
Be well.
Be safe.
Lisa Whitty Bradley, M.D., FACS
CEO & Founder
Chicks With MDs, LLC
WWW.CHICKSWITHMDS.COM
Chicks With MDs
