Take One Step: A PBS Health Campaign

• Posted on June 30, 2009 at 6:25 am

 

DEPRESSION: Out of the Shadows

A lot of Americans are keeping an important, possibly deadly secret.

  

The National Institute of Mental Health reports that approximately 18.8 million American adults have a depressive disorder. The disease is not discriminating, seeping into all age, race, gender, and socioeconomic groups. Depression stalls careers, strains relationships, and sometimes ends lives.

So if this many people are living with the disease, why the silence? DEPRESSION: Out of the Shadows is a multi-dimensional PBS project that explores the disease’s complex terrain, offering a comprehensive and timely examination of this devastating disorder.

By weaving together the science and treatment of depression with intimate portrayals of families and individuals coping with its wide-ranging effects, the film raises awareness and eliminates the stigma surrounding this prevalent disease, underscoring the fact that whether we are battling it in our families, our workplaces, or in our own minds, depression touches everyone. 

Through the voices and stories of people living with depression, the film provides a portrait of the disease never before seen on American television. Along with consumers, DEPRESSION: Out of the Shadows also follows acclaimed scientists as they describe the latest neurological research and groundbreaking new treatments for depression. 

Following the film, broadcast journalist Jane Pauley will host a 30-minute roundtable discussion titled TAKE ONE STEP: Caring for Depression, with Jane Pauley in which nationally acclaimed experts will offer advice on recognizing and treating depression.In addition to the broadcast and online presence, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and the YMCA of the USA will implement an outreach campaign, educating about depression in communities across the United States.

All of the DEPRESSION: Out of the Shadows resources combine to powerfully raise awareness, eliminate stigma, and get help. 

  

Understanding & Managing Depression

 Did you know kids can experience depression?

Childhood is a carefree time, right? Unfortunately, this isn’t true for all kids. About 2% of school-age children appear to have major depression at any one time. Depression in preschoolers is rare, but does occur.

Childhood depression is caused by a variety of factors, including genetics, environment and adverse life stresses. But the good news is that children are surprisingly resilient, and the disorder is treatable in many kids. Medication and/or talk therapy is usually effective; consulting with a pediatrician, school counselor or social worker, or educator are good first steps to finding child-centered mental health care in your community. Take one step. It’s never too late. 

Did you know that depression isn’t just “all in your head?”

Recent scientific research has irrefutably established that depression is a medical illness. It is not a sign of personal weakness, and it cannot be willed or “wished away” any more effectively than, say, non-treated cancer or diabetes. Depression is also known to weaken the immune system, making the body more susceptible to other medical illnesses. But despite depression’s clear biological roots, people living with the disease have often been the victims of blame and societal prejudice. Ongoing research and solid scientific findings are beginning to shed light on depression, clearing up misinformation and slowly reducing stigma.

Did you know there are many potential causes of depression?

Although there is no single, definitive answer to the question of cause, many factors – psychological, biological, environmental and genetic – likely contribute to the development of depression. Causes can occur in any combination, and can include genetic influences (such as family history of the disease); biochemical factors (such as hormonal fluctuations or chemical imbalance); psychological challenges (such as social anxiety and stress), and trauma (such as suffering the loss of a loved one or enduring a violent crime).

Did you know depression is a treatable disease?

Depression is one of the most treatable illnesses, with 80-90% of people who seek treatment finding relief. Many experts suggest using both psychotherapy and medications to treat depression. Other options include psychosocial treatments (such as family education and support groups); electroconvulsive therapy (for severe depression which does not respond to other treatments); and self-care (involving elements such as healthy diet, regular exercise, spirituality and social connection). The challenging news about treating depression is that most people experiencing the disorder never seek help. Approximately 80% of people with depressive disorders go untreated.

Did you know women experience depression more frequently than men?

Depression can develop in anyone, regardless of race, culture, social class, age, or gender. However, across virtually all cultures and socioeconomic classes, women are more likely than men are to experience depression. Clinical depression affects two to three times as many women as men, both in the U.S. and worldwide; an estimated one out of every eight women will experience clinical depression in her lifetime. So why do so many women battle depression? Hormonal changes may play a role, with female depression often emerging at puberty and remaining high throughout the childbearing years. Psychosocial factors that may contribute to women’s increased vulnerability to depression include the stress of multiple work and family responsibilities, sexual discrimination, lack of social supports, traumatic life experiences, and poverty. Studies also indicate that sexual and physical abuses are major risk factors for depression.

 

 

Take one step: Health Knowledge is Power!

In the dark when it comes to health information? You’re not alone. According to a recent Institute of Medicine report, nearly half of all American adults have trouble figuring out medical forms, and even have difficulty understanding their doctor’s instructions!

But you can arm yourself with knowledge. Communicate with your health provider, seek out trustworthy resources on the Web and from credible toll-free information hotlines. Ask questions and listen. These small steps can help you become a more savvy health consumer.

So take one step, starting with these fast facts about taking charge of your health.

   

Print and Online Resources

Depression Fact Sheet Depression affects approximately 15 million American adults every year. Learn about the symptoms and basic treatments for this very treatable condition. English version (PDF, 748k) Spanish version (PDF, 796k)

Depression Statistics Because of depression’s stigma, many people are unaware of how common it is; read the statistics on the disease’s wide reach. English version (PDF, 644k) Spanish version (PDF, 776k)

Depression in Children While rare, childhood depression does exist. Explore its specific symptoms and methods for finding pediatric treatment. English version (PDF, 636k) Spanish version (PDF, 772k)

Depression in Teens and College-Age Students Incidences of depression increase during the teen years. Find out more about its contributing factors and strategies for seeking relief. English version (PDF, 636k) Spanish version (PDF, 772k)

Depression in Older Adults Depression often goes undiagnosed in older people. Learn about potential causes, symptoms and treatments for people suffering depressive disorders later in life. English version (PDF, 736k) Spanish version (PDF, 748k)

Depression in Women Women are twice as likely as men to experience depression. Learn more about possible causes and treatments for female depression. English version (PDF, 636k) Spanish version (PDF, 772k)

Depression in Communities of Color The Surgeon General reports people of color, both adults and children, are less likely than their white counterparts to receive needed mental health care. Find out why, and explore ways to connect all people with the help they need. English version (PDF, 636k) Spanish version (PDF, 772k)

Depression Web Links These revered organizations offer effective starting points when seeking information about depression or related disorders. For advice about specific treatment or medication, always consult a physician and/or mental health professional. 

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