Now, the stigma surrounding mental health difficulties is diminishing, while the efficient treatment of psychological disorders is increasing dramatically. This is certainly true in regard to depression. When we speak of depression, we speak not about feeling down or upset for short periods of time. Those experiences are normal and encountered by almost everyone. When the diminished mood continues for more than two weeks, however, a clinical depression may be apparent.
Depression is one of the most common but most treatable of mental disorders.
In any six month period, nine to 10 million Americans suffer from depression. One in four women and one in 10 men can expect to develop it during their lifetime. Eighty to 90 percent of those who experience depression can be effectively treated with counseling, medication, or a combination of both. Of course, without recognition, effective treatment strategies cannot be mobilized. EAP staff can be reached at 7-7339.