Wellness News & Events

October is Depression Screening Month

Click here to download our handout on Depression Screening Month.

What is a depressive disorder?

A depressive disorder is an illness that involves the body, mood, and thoughts. It affects the way a person eats and sleeps, the way one feels about oneself, and the way one thinks about things. A depressive disorder is not the same as a passing blue mood. It is not a sign of personal weakness or a condition that can be willed or wished away. People with a depressive illness cannot merely "pull themselves together" and get better. Without treatment, symptoms can last for weeks, months, or years. Most people with a depressive illness do not seek treatment, although the great majority (even those whose depression is extremely severe) can be helped. Thanks to years of fruitful research, there are now medications and psychosocial therapies such as cognitive/behavioral, "talk," or interpersonal that ease the pain of depression. Unfortunately, most people do not realize that depression is a treatable illness. If you feel that you or someone you care about is one of the many undiagnosed depressed people in this country, please contact your physician today for an evaluation!

- National Institutes of Health

If you would like more information and resources on Depression click here.