FOR BREAKING NEWS VISIT WWW.QNS.COM NOVEMBER 21, 2019 • WELLNESS • THE QUEENS COURIER 47
wellness
3 steps to help manage depression
Sadness and grief are normal human
emotions. Th ese feelings can oft en last for
a short period of time. However, when
these emotions last for many days or
weeks, depression becomes a concern.
According to the American Psychiatric
Association, depression is a common and
serious medical illness that negatively
aff ects how you feel, the way you think
and how you act. Fortunately, depression
is among the most treatable of mental disorders.
Between 80 percent and 90 percent
of people with depression eventually
respond well to treatment. Almost all
patients gain some relief from their symptoms.
According to the National Institute of
Mental Health, an estimated 16.2 million
adults in the U.S. have had at least one
major depressive episode in a given year.
In fact, according to a report from the
National Center for Health Statistics an
estimated 8.1 percent of adults age 20 and
older had depression in a given 2-week
period during 2013-2016. Of those aff ected
by depression, 80 percent reported
having at least some diffi culty managing
work, home and social activities.
In the past, stigma surrounding depression
caused some people to avoid seeking
help. As celebrities, musicians, and
even politicians speak out about their own
struggles with depression, people have felt
empowered to take the steps to fi nd the
help they need.
Symptoms of depression
It can be diffi cult to know when feeling
down is turning into something more
concerning. According to the Anxiety
and Depression Association of America,
a major depressive episode may include
some of these symptoms:
• Persistent sad, anxious or “empty” mood
• Feelings of hopelessness
• Feelings of guilt, worthlessness or helplessness
• Restlessness, irritability
• Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies
• Decreased energy
• Diffi culty concentrating, remembering
or making decisions
• Insomnia, early-morning awakening or
oversleeping
• Low appetite and weight loss, or, overeating
and weight gain
• Th oughts of death or suicide
• Persistent physical symptoms that do
not respond to treatment (such as headaches,
digestive disorders and pain for
which no other cause can be diagnosed)
Three steps that can help
People experiencing some or all of these
symptoms can take action by following
these three steps.
• Step 1: Get screened by a qualifi ed
mental health expert. Depression can
only be diagnosed by a health care
professional who has special assessments
and tools to make the appropriate
diagnosis.
• Step 2: Talk to your healthcare provider
about a treatment plan. Depression
can be managed with the right treatment
options. A healthcare provider
can determine the strategy that works
best for you. Common treatment plans
may include psychotherapy and medication.
• Step 3: Follow a treatment plan closely
and take medications as prescribed.
Abruptly stopping medications may
cause withdrawal symptoms that could
worsen depression. If you are uninsured
or your health insurance doesn’t cover
the medications you need, there are
programs that can help. For example,
the Inside Rx program is a free prescription
savings program that could save an
average of 40 percent off select brandname
medications and 80 percent off
retail price on generic medications. You
can check the price of medications, and
terms and restrictions like eligibility
requirements, at InsideRx.com.
Depression doesn’t discriminate. It
impacts all races, ages and genders. Take
these fi rst steps to help manage your
symptoms. Keep in mind, if you are ever
feeling suicidal thoughts, call the National
Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-
8255 immediately.
Courtesy BPT
/WWW.QNS.COM
/InsideRx.com