The past couple of years has been challenging.  So as we look toward the future, we encourage you to make your mental health a priority. Mental illnesses are real, common, and treatable.

Depression is one of the most common mental health diagnoses detected early from mental health screenings. Everyone feels sad at times, but depression is different than normal sadness or grief. Depression is a mental health condition that can affect how you think, feel, and behave, making it hard to function at home and work.

Utilizing an online screening tool is one of the quickest and easiest ways to determine whether you are experiencing symptoms of a mental illness.  This self-assessment tool can help with early identification and encourages early intervention.  The screening is private, anonymous, quick, and accessible.  You can click here to take our free, completely anonymous, and confidential online depression self-assessment.

Mental health screenings play a crucial role in preventative care and overall well-being.  Additional Mental Health Screenings can be found by visiting Mental Health America. Don’t wait to find help with your mental health near you.

Life Management Center is here for you if you suspect you or someone you love may be experiencing depression. We offer crisis intervention, psychiatric care, and counseling services. You don’t have to suffer alone. Call (850) 522-4485 today to learn more about our services and schedule an appointment.

This assessment is for information only and should not be used for the diagnosis or treatment of medical conditions.

This content provides information and discussion about mental health related subjects. The content provided and any linked material is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Everyone gets down from time to time, but feelings of sadness that last two or more weeks may be a sign of depression (Take our free, completely confidential online depression assessment).  Depression causes persistent feelings of sadness and loss of interest.  It affects how you feel, think and behave.  It is a mental health condition that significantly impacts normal day-to-day activities and can lead to serious emotional and physical problems.

Depression affects more than 16 million American adults each year, yet only about a third of those suffering from severe depression seek treatment from a mental health professional. Too many people resist treatment because they believe depression isn’t serious, and that they can treat it themselves or don’t consider it a medical illness. [1]

What are the signs and symptoms of depression?

Common symptoms include:

• Persistent sad, anxious, or “empty” mood
• Feelings of hopelessness or pessimism
• Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness
• Loss of pleasure or interest in hobbies or activities
• Changes in appetite or unplanned weight changes (weight gain or weight loss)
• Angry outbursts, feelings of irritability, frustration, or restlessness
• Difficulty concentrating, remembering things, or making decisions
• Loss of energy, fatigue, or being “slowed down”
• Difficulty sleeping, early-morning awakening, or oversleeping
• Unexplained physical symptoms that do not ease with treatment
• Suicide attempts or thoughts of death or suicide

Depression is more than just a case of the blues.  It isn’t something you can just “snap out” of.   However, depression is very treatable.  Treatments include lifestyle changes, support groups, medications, and therapy. People can recover from depression and live long and healthy lives, so don’t wait to find mental health near you.

Life Management Center is here for you if you suspect you or someone you love may be experiencing depression. We offer crisis intervention, psychiatric care, and counseling services. You don’t have to suffer alone. Call (850) 522-4485 today to learn more about our services and schedule an appointment.

This content provides information and discussion about mental health-related subjects. The content provided and any linked material is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Source: Mental Health America, The Mayo Clinic

[1] Mental Health America

There is so much misinformation and misconception when it comes to mental health. This could be preventing people from getting the help they desperately need. This is especially true for those suffering from depression, which is one of the most common mental health disorders affecting our society today. With all the myths surrounding depression, it’s time we talk openly about this serious mental health concern.

Myth #1- It’s all in my head. I’m just sad.

FACT: MRI studies show that depression causes changes in the brain that stop it from registering pleasurable activities. Depression is very real and is a serious medical condition — and the top cause of disability in American adults. But it’s still confused with ordinary sadness.

Myth #2- All depression looks the same.

FACT: There are many different faces of depression ranging from extreme and short episodes to subtle and constant. There is no wrong way to experience it. Depression affects people of all ages, ethnicity, race, gender and income levels. Yet it can look very different for each person depending on age and other factors. Recognizing the symptoms is an important first step toward finding help.

Myth #3- Medication is the only treatment.

FACT: Medication is not the only treatment option! Antidepressants work great for some people, but you have options including talk therapy, lifestyle changes and holistic approaches.

Myth #4- I need to deal with this alone.

FACT: Reaching out for help is a sign of strength. Depression is a medical issue, not one to bear alone.

Myth #5- People impacted by depression don’t get better.

FACT: With proper treatment people with depression can and do get better!

Life Management Center is here for you if you suspect you or someone you love may be experiencing depression. It is a serious condition and it affects over 17.3 million Americans. We offer crisis intervention, psychiatric care with outstanding physicians, and counseling services. You don’t have to suffer alone. Call (850) 522-4485 today to learn more about our services and schedule an appointment.

This content provides information and discussion about mental health related subjects. The content provided and any linked material is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.