Depression and Mental Health Conditions
Depression is an illness that causes you to feel sad, lose interest in activities that you’ve always enjoyed, withdraw from others, and have little energy. It’s different from normal feelings of sadness, grief, or low energy. Depression can also cause people to feel hopeless about the future and even think about suicide.
Many people, and sometimes their families, feel embarrassed or ashamed about having depression. Don’t let these feelings stand in the way of getting treatment. Remember that depression is a common illness. It affects the young and old, men and women, all ethnic groups, and all professions.
If you think you may be depressed, tell your doctor. Treatment can help you enjoy life again. The sooner you get treatment, the sooner you will feel better.1
Depression is one of the most common mental illnesses in the United States, affecting an estimated 11 million adults.2 Of these, two thirds do not actively seek nor receive proper treatment,3 which can result in severe impairments that interfere with or limit their ability to engage in important life activities.
Mental Health Condition-Specific Information and Resources
Depression is a serious illness that drains your energy, hope and drive, making it difficult to take the steps that will help you to feel better. While overcoming depression isn’t quick or easy, it’s possible. Learn more about how to recognize the signs of depression, and what you can do to receive the treatment you deserve.
- Myths and facts about depression tip sheet
- Understanding and treating depression tip sheet
- Stop depression in its tracks flyer
- No one is immune to depression poster
- poster (11 x 17), flyer (8.5 x 11) and digital sign on things you can do to help someone who is depressed
Stress affects everyone, and can build up in all sorts of ways. Feeling stressed can be beneficial at times, producing a boost that provides the drive and energy to help you get through situations like exams or work deadlines. However, an extreme amount of stress can have negative health consequences and take a severe emotional toll. Learn how to recognize when you or someone you care about is feeling too stressed out and how to manage it.
- 13 tips to take control of stress tip sheet
- Nine FAQs about stress tip sheet
- Managing stress and anxiety during election season tip sheet
- Holiday planning during COVID-19 tip sheet
- poster (11 x 17), flyer (8.5 x 11) and digital sign on emotional wellness during the holidays with COVID-19
Everyone feels nervous or anxious at one time or another. But when frequent, powerful feelings of fear or dread cause people to feel they have lost control over their lives, they may have an anxiety disorder. Learn more about the signs and symptoms and how you can help yourself if you struggle with anxiety.
- Anxiety tip sheet
- Anxiety: myth vs. reality tip sheet
- Coping with anxiety tip sheet
We can all help prevent suicide. A suicidal person may not ask for help, but that doesn’t mean that help isn’t wanted. Suicide prevention starts with recognizing the warning signs and taking them seriously. Learn more about how to talk about suicidal thoughts and feelings and how you can support someone who feels suicidal.
- PTSD and suicide thoughts tip sheet
- Seven myths and facts about suicide tip sheet
- What to do when someone threatens suicide tip sheet
- Suicide prevention resources repository of information and materials about the warning signs and skills needed to save a life
Alcohol abuse is a pattern of drinking too much alcohol too often. It interferes with your daily life, can harm your relationships and can cause you to be unable to function at work and in other areas of your life. Learn how to recognize the signs of alcohol abuse and how to get help.
Drug addiction is a complex disease, characterized by drug seeking and use that is compulsive, or difficult to control, despite harmful consequences. Quitting usually takes more than good intentions or a strong will. Learn more about how to recognize the signs of drug addiction, and what you can do about it.
More information
1 Adapted with permission from copyrighted materials from Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty and all liability for your use of this information. Find more information here: https://www.healthwise.net/magellanhealth/Content/StdDocument.aspx?DOCHWID=hw30709
2 National Institute of Mental Health. Major Depression. Retrieved July 21, 2020 from https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/major-depression.shtml
3 National Network of Depression Centers. Get the Facts. Retrieved July 21, 2020 from https://nndc.org/facts/