Awareness Month for Depression: Significance, Locating Assistance, and Other Crucial Points
During Depression Awareness Month and related observances, several organizations are offering educational resources and support for individuals living with depression. Here's a roundup of some of the initiatives that aim to empower individuals and their loved ones.
Southborough Youth and Family Services (SYFS)
SYFS is providing free mental health information sessions in September. These sessions focus on understanding depression, navigating the mental health system, and communication strategies like validation. Additionally, SYFS offers QPR Suicide Prevention training to help recognize signs of crisis and connect to help [1].
Sheppard Pratt
Sheppard Pratt is offering an educational series targeting clinicians, caregivers, and the community. Topics include managing difficult-to-treat depression and suicide prevention in primary care, providing evidence-based strategies and clinical insights [2]. The Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide also offers training and resources specifically geared to teens, parents, and educators.
Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA)
ADAA provides free mental health webinars year-round, including sessions on depression. These webinars include expert advice, live Q&A, and on-demand viewing options to support both adults and children [4]. ADAA's search feature can also be used to find a therapist, and their National Helpline can be contacted by calling 1-800-662-HELP (4357) or visiting their search tool online.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
SAMHSA offers a comprehensive Suicide Prevention Awareness Month Toolkit, including key messages, social media resources, and digital materials to raise awareness and promote evidence-based prevention strategies [5].
World Mental Health Day’s ConnectionWORKS Campaign by Clubhouse International
The ConnectionWORKS Campaign promotes community connection as a key to mental health recovery and advocacy [3].
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
NAMI offers opportunities to share personal stories through their website and presentations.
General Information and Support
If you or someone you know is in crisis and considering suicide or self-harm, call or text the 988 Lifeline at 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org, text HOME to the Crisis Text Line at 741741, or call 911 or your local emergency services number.
Common symptoms and signs of depression can include feelings of hopelessness, persistent sad or anxious mood, feelings of irritability, physical aches or pains, loss of interest in hobbies, difficulty concentrating, changes in appetite, thoughts of death or suicide, and others.
A person can seek support for depression or other mental health conditions by talking with a friend or family member, speaking with a doctor, reaching out to a mental health professional or social worker, or using online tools to find mental health professionals.
Learning more about depression will help remove the stigma surrounding the condition, its causes and effects, and treatments. Depression affects approximately one out of every seven global adult population and about 20 million Americans each year. There are several types of depression, including major depressive disorder, persistent depressive disorder, seasonal affective disorder, perinatal depression, depression with symptoms of psychosis, and others. Experts believe that a combination of genetics, environment, biological factors, psychological factors, and other influences may contribute to the development of depression.
Ways to observe Depression Awareness Month include reaching out to loved ones, sharing personal stories, and getting educated about depression. Misconceptions and misunderstandings of depression contribute to stigmas about people living with the condition. Educational interventions or campaigns may help decrease stigma and improve understanding of treatment compared to general health knowledge.
[1] Southborough Youth and Family Services (SYFS): https://www.syfs.org/ [2] Sheppard Pratt: https://www.sheppardpratt.org/ [3] ConnectionWORKS Campaign by Clubhouse International: https://www.clubhouse.org/ [4] Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA): https://adaa.org/ [5] Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): https://www.samhsa.gov/ [6] National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): https://www.nami.org/ [7] Medical News Today: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/ [8] American Psychiatric Association: https://www.psychiatry.org/ [9] Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): https://www.samhsa.gov/ [10] NAMI's Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/NAMI/
- Southborough Youth and Family Services (SYFS) is providing free mental health information sessions in September, focusing on depression, navigating the mental health system, and communication strategies like validation, as well as QPR Suicide Prevention training.
- Sheppard Pratt offers an educational series for clinicians, caregivers, and the community, addressing topics like managing difficult-to-treat depression and suicide prevention in primary care.
- The Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) provides free mental health webinars year-round, covering depression and featuring expert advice, live Q&A, and on-demand viewing options.
