1in5 campaign

The 1in5 campaign focuses on normalizing the need for mental health resources and removing barriers for those who want to access care. Starting the conversation regarding these significant yet treatable issues also opens the door to providing support.

During the month of May, we provide relevant information on various mental health topics each week. This week’s topic is depression. Read on to understand the causes, symptoms and treatment options available.

Understanding depression

Depression affects around 280 million individuals around the world. Occasionally feeling low or sad is a normal reaction to life’s challenges, but feeling helpless, hopeless or worthless for an extended period may be a sign of depression. People suffering from this condition often have difficulty performing day-to-day activities such as waking up, showering, eating meals, going to work or hanging out with friends. 

The causes of depression can include:

  • Trauma
  • Genetics – individuals with a family history of depression might be at a higher risk
  • Chemical imbalance in the brain
  • Certain medications
  • Hormone levels
  • Substance use

Symptoms of depression may include:

  • Insomnia
  • Oversleeping
  • Fatigue
  • Poor concentration
  • Changes in appetite
  • Irritability

Fortunately, there are many different treatment options available.  Working with a mental health professional or a primary health care provider can help determine the best approach to combatting depression and improving quality of life.

SupportLinc’s Mental Health Tip Sheet – provides tips for staying mentally healthy.

Help is available

As always, your EAP is available 24/7/365 to provide advocacy and resources to support various mental health concerns such as depression, anxiety, stress, work-related pressures, relationship issues or substance use. Call 888-881-5462 or visit https://psh.mysupportportal.com.

Source: SupportLinc EAP; National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI).