Schedule a Mental Health Screening for World Mental Health Day. - Archived

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Schedule a Mental Health Screening for World Mental Health Day

Lexington, Ky. (October 9, 2017) – Depression is the most common mental health disorder that teens and adults in the United States experience. Each year, this serious health issue affects more than 16 million adults who are 18 and older, and 3 million adolescents age 12 to 17, according to the National Institute for Mental Health. In October, there is increased awareness for depression, with National Depression Screening Day held on October 5, 2017, and World Mental Health Day on October 10, 2017. KentuckyOne Health is also encouraging community members to learn more about the symptoms of depression, and to schedule a screening.

Symptoms of depression in adults include persistent feelings of sadness or anxiety, feeling hopeless or pessimistic, feeling worthless or guilty, having trouble concentrating or making decisions, sleeping too much or too little, not enjoying things that you used to enjoy, a change in appetite, feeling restless or irritable, or thoughts of suicide or death. Those who experience at least five of these symptoms for at least two weeks are known as having major depression.

Adolescents may experience similar, but different symptoms for depression, including insomnia, fatigue, dizziness, stomachache, headache, social withdrawal, weight loss, isolation from friends and family, poor performance in school, and drug or alcohol abuse.

“It’s important to seek help if you are experiencing any of these symptoms for an extended period of time,” said Morgan McGill, LPCA, lead assessment clinician, Our Lady of Peace, Lexington. “If not effectively treated, depression can become a chronic disease. Talk to your provider to see if treatment is necessary.”

Treatment for depression will depend on the type of depression and severity. If depression is affecting your daily life, you may be diagnosed with clinical depression. Types of depression include major depression, persistent depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, seasonal affective disorder, psychotic depression, peripartum (postpartum) depression, premenstrual dysphoric disorder, situational depression and atypical depression.

Treatment for clinical depression may include talking to a therapist, changes to your lifestyle and taking antidepressants to lighten your mood and ease the sadness you may be experiencing. Once your provider determines the type of depression you are experiencing, the proper path for treatment can be determined.

“Everyone is different, so treatment that may be effective for one patient, may not be the best treatment option for another patient,” said McGill. “This is why it’s important to seek help, so that your physician can help make the proper recommendation for treatment, to help ease your symptoms.”

In addition, you can help alleviate symptoms on your own by eating healthy, exercising and getting plenty of sleep.

Taking a mental health screening is a quick and easy way to determine if you may be experiencing symptoms of depression. Mental Health America offers a screening test for depression. To take this test, go to www.kentuckyonehealth.org/our-lady-of-peace.

Signs of depression should not be taken lightly. Contact Our Lady of Peace for an assessment by calling the Assessment and Referral Center at 859.313.3515. If you find yourself having suicidal thoughts, immediately dial 911, go to a hospital emergency room, or call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK.

About KentuckyOne Health
KentuckyOne Health, one of the largest and most comprehensive health systems in the Commonwealth, includes hospitals, physician groups, clinics, primary care centers, specialty institutes and home health agencies in Kentucky and southern Indiana. KentuckyOne Health is dedicated to bringing wellness, healing and hope to all, including the underserved.

 
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