Thank you so much for participating in the last depression awareness post I wrote back in the fall. The response to the post has been overwhelming and I am thrilled to be a part of raising awareness for such a common disorder. Within this post, you will find the results of the survey taken by initial responders (4000 people)! For those of you who took it — thank you! I welcome you to also take the second survey as it is slightly different from the first one. For those of you who missed the first, please jump in now. Scroll down to the bottom of this post, and I will give further directions on how to participate and enter for a chance to win a $100 VISA gift card. Ten $100 VISA gift cards will be given away at random to the survey participants for their time. It takes less than 10 minutes to complete the survey. I hope you will consider taking the survey.
As I stated before, it wasn’t until I took the survey on depression through Med-IQ and read information on this common disorder that I learned what depression is and what it is not. Med-IQ is an accredited medical education company that provides an exceptional educational experience for physicians, nurses, pharmacists, and other healthcare professionals. I heard about them from another military wife and wanted to get involved to raise awareness on a disorder that is so often kept a hushed topic in most social circles. I want others to know it is real, it is common, and it is okay if you are experiencing depression and to get help from a doctor.
Just to review, I want to share some basics on depression.
3 things to know about depression:
- Depression is common, you’re not alone.
- Depression is a brain disorder, not a personal failing.
- There are treatment options available.
What is depression?
- Depression is a serious medical condition characterized by feelings of sadness and loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed. It can negatively influence the way you think, feel, and act.
- Depression affects about 1 in 15 adults each year, and 1 out of every 6 people experience depression at some point in their life.
- Women tend to have higher rates of depression than men; as many as 1 out of every 3 women experience depression in their lifetime.
- 87% of respondents were between ages of 25 and 45
- 71% reported having a bachelor’s degree or higher
- Almost 67% completed the survey because they think they might have depression
The most common symptoms reported: - 81% reported loss of energy
- 80% reported irritability
- 74% reported difficulty thinking or making decisions
- 73% reported feelings of hopelessness
Least common symptoms reported: - 24.6% reported suicidal thoughts
- 42.3% reported physical aches and pains
- 45.6% reported changes in appetite
In terms of understanding contributing factors for depression: - 98% agreed with the statement that depression is caused by a combination of factors including genetics and life circumstances
- 74% agreed they are likely to have depression if at least one parent has been depressed
Things to remember about depression:
- Symptoms of depression can vary from feelings of sadness to difficulty sleeping to gastrointestinal problems to physical aches and pains (and these symptoms vary from person to person).
- Being honest and open with your doctor about your symptoms and family history is critical in determining the best treatment plan for you. There are treatment options available: medication in combination with cognitive behavioral therapy is one of the most common approaches your physician may suggest. Do not be afraid to get help. By openly talking about depression as it is – a medical condition – we can help dispel stigmatization around the disease. An important point to consider when encouraging someone to seek help for depression is helping them understand that treatment will allow them to function optimally in their daily life.
Directions for survey:
You will be entered into a drawing to win 1 of 10 $100 VISA gift cards, with a total prize value of $1,000. No personal information will be kept, sold, or stored in the survey completion process. Upon completion of the survey, email [email protected] and indicate that you have taken the survey to be entered to win a VISA gift card.
Helpful Links:
Post-partum depression
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/postpartum-depression/basics/definition/con-20029130
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/postpartum-depression-facts/index.shtml
Depression in veterans
https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/depression.asp
https://www.ptsd.va.gov/public/problems/depression-and-trauma.asp
https://www.va.gov/health/NewsFeatures/20110624a.asp
* I was compensated by Med-IQ through a grant from Takeda Pharmaceuticals U.S.A., Inc. and Lundbeck to write about depression awareness. All my opinions are my own.
** These links are being provided as a convenience and for informational purposes only; they are not intended and should not be construed as legal or medical advice nor are they endorsements of any healthcare provider or practice. Med-IQ bears no responsibility for the accuracy, legality, or content of the external site or for that of subsequent links. Contact the external site for answers to questions regarding its content.
