Depression is real and it is an ugly illness
that plagues at least 1 out of 10 U.S. adults (Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention, 2012). Also in 2011, one out of ten young people experienced a
period of major depression (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services,
n.d.). Depression is not something that can just be set aside and forgotten. It
is also not an illness that just disappears or that you wake up one day and you
are suddenly “over it.” It can control and consume a person’s life, but
thankfully it is treatable.
The first step for treating depression is
contacting your doctor. Yes, it is frightening with the stigma associated with
mental illness. However, there are health care providers and counselors who
want you to receive help and they are available to you. I have seen stigma’s
impact on those suffering from mental health issues. I have seen stigma in the privacy of homes where
individuals are thought to be going through a phase. I have also seen the
stigma of mental illnesses while walking crowded streets of cities where people
are shunned because their mental health status has forced them into
homelessness. It is difficult to see those who are suffering and in need
medical attention, but are afraid to get help because of how they think others
will view them. Please do not let the fear of stigma keep you away from
receiving assistance.
Sadly, depression alone is not the only mental
health issue. Did you know that in 2011, one in five adult Americans
experienced a mental health issue (U.S. Department of Health and Human
Services, n.d.)? In 2o11, the United States had one in twenty Americans live
with a serious mental illness, such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or
major depression (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, n.d.). As you
can see, no one is ever alone in this battle and the effects of mental illness
impact more people than we might think.
You might ask, “How do I make a difference?
How can I make a change for those suffering from mental illness?” Those are the
questions that motivated me to write this post. One of the ways that we can all
make a difference is knowing what resources are available and sharing that
information to someone in need.
Fortunately, the TWU Counseling Center offers
a variety of counseling services and information. For more information about
their services, click here. Also, if you know someone or if you are
experiencing suicidal thoughts because of depression, please contact the
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline number at 1-800-273-8255. It is free,
confidential and there is a trained counselor that answers the line.
Additionally, my own Department of Health
Studies offers some courses that can help promote mental health awareness. There is a course called Psychosocial Aspects of
Mental Health where students learn how to promote mental illness awareness and
incorporate principles and strategies to create health interventions for those
suffering from mental illness. It also discusses the mental health system
reform that is occurring now to decrease stigma, increase awareness of mental
health and increase access to mental health care.
Another course that increases mental health
awareness is the Stress Management course. This course teaches students how to
manage stress on a daily basis through a variety of techniques. If stress is
not managed properly, it could lead to anxiety and depression-like symptoms.
Yes, I know it sounds like a cliché, but it is
true. You can make a difference. You can decrease the stigma, you can
influence policy changes to mental health reform, and you can make a difference
in your life or someone else’s.
This post reflects the personal opinions and
thoughts of Amanda Hinson-Enslin and does not reflect an official position of
Texas Woman’s University or the Department of Health Studies.
References:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
(2012). CDC features. Retrieved from: http://www.cdc.gov/features/dsdepression/
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (n.d.) Mental health myths and facts. Retrieved from: http://www.mentalhealth.gov/basics/myths-facts/
Resources complied by Amelia Garza.
Resources
TWU Counseling
Center
(940) 898-3801
The TWU
Counseling Center is an excellent TWU on-campus resource. Like their Facebook
page and stay up-to-date on upcoming events, mental health, and self-care
ideas. Their website also provides great online resources, such as online
assessments, workshops, a self-help library, and virtual pamphlets, which can
be accessed through the following link: http://www.twu.edu/counseling/online-resources.asp.
Denton County Health
Department
(940) 349-2900
Denton County
Health Department, located on 535 South Loop 288, is a facility geared towards
improving the overall health of the Denton County community. Offering services
such as dental, immunizations, and primary care, the Denton County Health
Department is a great resource to work with.
Grant Halliburton Foundation
(214) 347-4900
The Grand
Halliburton Foundation is an organization that believes in spreading the word
that “I AM H.E.R.E”. This motto refers to a drive for working together to
promote that no individual is alone. Geared towards teens and young adults, the
foundation is the only coalition in the North Texas area that promotes mental health
and well-being to the young people of the area.
Denton County MHMR Center
1-800-762-0157
The Denton
County MHMR center is a place where individuals can go to seek help if they are
experiencing depression, thoughts of suicide, or other issues of mental health.
The center is a non-profit organization that specializes in treating
individuals with mental health needs. Their “person-centered” treatment plan is
geared towards the individual’s specific needs.
Mayhill Hospital: Behavior Health
(940) 239-3000
The Mayhill
Hospital treatment programs for behavior health include a variety of approaches
such as recreational & occupational therapy, safe & secure environment,
24-hour nursing care, individual & group therapy, and many more. Providing
a safe, confidential, and compassionate environment, the Mayhill Hospital:
Behavior Health’s multi-disciplinary medical team works to understand the needs
of the individual and develops programs based on those needs.
Texas Suicide Prevention
1-800-273-TALK
The Texas
Suicide Prevention resource is an online tool that helps individuals navigate
and understand issues surrounding suicide. Whether it is becoming aware of the
signs of an at-risk individual, or working through life after the death of a
loved one by suicide, this tool can help to build one’s knowledge and
prevention tactics of suicide. Offering tips on ways to help with preventative
measures, the Texas Suicide Prevention website offers a way for each person to
get involved in suicide prevention and awareness.
Suicide Prevention Resources for Military Families
This online
website is a great source for gathering information about how to help your
loved one cope with suicidal thoughts following involvement in the military.
Targeted specifically towards family and friends of military personal, the
Suicide Prevention Resources for Military Families discusses how to identify
the warning signs of suicide as well as how to find help for your loved one.
This resource also gives a pneumonic for helping your loved one: ACE, which stands for Ask, Care, and
Escort provide an easy way for families and friends to act on the needs of
their loved ones.
Denton Regional Medical Center: PTSD
(940) 384- 3535
Post-Traumatic
Stress Disorder can also play a role in suicide. The Denton Regional Medical
Center provides great resources in understanding PTSD such as the risk factors,
symptoms, and living with the disorder. Reviewed by Michael Woods, MD, the
information is backed with expert help and advice.
Suicide Hotlines
Crisis Line:
Adults, (972) 233-2233; Teen, (972) 233-TEEN; Española, (972) 233-2428
National Suicide
Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-TALK
24 Hour Crisis
Line: (214) 828-1000/ 1-866-672-5100
Veterans Crisis
Line: 1-800-273-8255 (Press 1)
This source is a
Texas based hotline and is to be used in crisis situations. If you are someone
you love is considering suicide, please contact this hotline.
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