When the Blues Won’t Go Away | Health

“I felt so overwhelmed, that if I hadn’t gotten help, I don’t think I would be here today,” said Carla, a Milford mother of three.  Even though she has gotten treatment for her depression, and is doing well today, few people know of the inner turmoil she endured for years.  “There is still a stigma that surrounds mental illness,” said Dr. Lee Ann Watson with the Clermont County Mental Health and Recovery Board.  “One out of four people will be impacted with a form of mental illness during their lifetime.  Left untreated, depression and other forms of mental illness can result in alcohol and drug abuse, even suicide.  I want to encourage those who are feeling overwhelmed to reach out now; help is available.”

Dr. Watson said that depression is the most common form of mental illness.  “Depression can change the way you see yourself, your life, and those around you,” she said.  “Symptoms of depression include a prolonged feeling of sadness, a dramatic change in appetite, difficulty concentrating, trouble sleeping, becoming withdrawn or isolated, and thoughts of death or suicide.”

According to a recent study by the Centers for Disease Control, women, those between the ages of 45 and 64, those previously married, and those unemployed are most likely to meet the criteria for major depression.  “We’re also seeing an increase in the number of teens suffering from depression,” said Dr. Watson.  “We have seen young people take their own lives because they couldn’t handle their problems.  Some young people who are depressed engage in high risk behaviors, can run away, and a formerly good student could lose interest in his or her classes.”

A 24 hour help line is available for those who are feeling overwhelmed.  Call 528-SAVE.