| Mental health care needs are on the rise with more | | | | and most people will try to avoid them. The public |
| and more people suffering in silence. Depression is one | | | | needs to be educated about mental health and the |
| form of mental health care that people tend to ignore | | | | needed care that goes with it. Offering understanding |
| because of the stigma associated with this type | | | | is the first priority in getting help for that friend or loved |
| diagnosis. There are many causes of depression | | | | one. Showing that person you understand they are ill |
| including the death of a family member, break up of a | | | | and not "crazy" is an important step. Offering support |
| marriage, and failing health. Many people see this | | | | can go a long way towards helping that person heal. |
| condition as a weakness that can be prevented but | | | | Seeking Help |
| this is far from the truth. | | | | If you or someone you know is suffering from a |
| Depression is a chemical imbalance which causes a | | | | mental illness it is important to understand that there is |
| person to feel blue and down trodden. If left untreated | | | | help available. Mental health care can provide emotional |
| it can lead to thoughts of suicide. Many people are | | | | support and help with understanding and treatment. |
| good at hiding their feelings because they don't want | | | | Counseling can help the patient explore the reasons |
| the public to know they are ill. People who suffer from | | | | for their feelings and get those feelings out in the open. |
| depression often feel worthless and they think nobody | | | | Once those feelings are faced head on there is a real |
| cares about them. Some people will begin spending | | | | hope of healing. |
| more and more time in bed sleeping and they may | | | | Some people will need the added support of |
| experience a loss of appetite. Mental health care | | | | anti-depressants to help them get back on their feet. |
| intervention can be a big help towards restoring normal | | | | Often these drugs can be taken on a temporary basis. |
| day to day functions. | | | | With the support of counseling and anti-depressants |
| The Need For Understanding | | | | the patient can return to a normal life much sooner |
| People who suffer from mental health problems have | | | | than they expect. Once people approach mental health |
| an additional need for compassion and understanding. | | | | care as being an illness instead of a stigma they can |
| The stigma of mental health care is a big part of the | | | | begin the healing process without having to worry how |
| problem of escalating mental health illness cases. | | | | other people think. |
| Mental health workers are looked upon as "shrinks" | | | | |