Depression is a Disease, Serious and Treatable

By: Peggy Cunningham, MA, NCC, LPC

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 1 in 10 adult in the United States suffers from Depression.  In the state of Missouri it is estimated that between 9.2% and 10.3% of the adult population suffers from depression.  This means that everyday in our workplaces, at the grocery store, in our neighborhood, or places of worship we see the face of depression.  Sometimes it is the elderly grandmother, sometimes it is the urban professional, other times it is the factory work, the medical technician, the high school football player or the third grade student who appears to be a book worm. The faces and lives of those suffering from depression surround us.

Supporting Those with Mental Illness is Our Responsibility

By: Mary E. Bellcock, LPC

As a manager of an Intensive Outpatient Program that serves adolescents with mental health and substance abuse issues, I have become increasingly aware of the necessity of outside support for these individuals. Equally important is the responsibility that parents and primary caregivers have in recognizing the signs and symptoms of mental health disorders, in particular adolescent depression. According to the California Adolescent Health Collaborative (californiateenhealth.org), common signs to look for include, sleep disturbances, problems with academic performance, frequent statements about feeling sad and substance abuse.

When Life No Longer Seems Precious

By: Peggy Cunningham, MA, NCC, LPC

It is estimated that over one million people die by suicide worldwide each year - 1.8% of all deaths worldwide are suicides.  Global suicide rates have increased 69% in the last 45 years. The World Health Organization (WHO) has recognized the significance of suicide and has declared September 10, 2013 as World Suicide Prevention Day.  WHO estimates that for every successful suicide there are twenty additional attempts.  It is estimated that 35,000 suicides occur in the United States each year.