Skip to main content

Pay Attention to the Warning Signs of Depression, Suicide Risk

Pay Attention to the Warning Signs of Depression, Suicide Risk

(NewsUSA) – While it is common for everyone to feel down or sad at times, a person whose symptoms last for more than two weeks may be having a major depressive episode, according to The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSHA).Data from Mental Health America’s 2017 State of Mental Health in America report shows the prevalence of these episodes, and their potential consequences, in New Hampshire:* 12 percent of New Hampshire youths (age 12-17) report having at least one major depressive episode in the past year, the eighth-highest figure among U.S. states.* More than 7 percent of New Hampshire youths experienced severe depressive episodes, defined as youths who "experienced very serious interference in school, home, and relationships."* More than 4 percent of New Hampshire adults reported having serious thoughts of suicide, above the national rate of 3.94.The warning signs of depression should never be ignored. Anyone with these symptoms should speak with their primary care provider or a behavior health specialist. Loved ones or friends who exhibit these symptoms should be encouraged to do the same."If we feel physically ill, we get medical treatment without giving it a second thought," says Dr. Robert Hockmuth, market chief medical officer for AmeriHealth Caritas New Hampshire, a managed care organization serving New Hampshire Medicaid enrollees. "We should think of mental illness in much the same way."According to SAMSHA, some of the warning signs of depression include:* Sadness, anxiety, or feeling "empty."* Feelings of hopelessness, pessimism, guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness.* Fatigue or decreased energy level.* Change in appetite.* At the extreme, thoughts of death or suicide, or suicide attempts.Someone may be experiencing depression and not realize they have it, as symptoms vary.According to the National Institute of Mental Health, about 37 percent of adults with a major depressive episode did not receive treatment. It’s also important to point out that without proper treatment, symptoms can get worse.The treatments for depression can vary and include medications, psychotherapy, or a combination of the two."Often the most difficult cases of depression can be effectively treated," says Dr. Hockmuth. "However, the sooner the treatment can begin, the better it will work."AmeriHealth Caritas New Hampshire is a managed care organization serving enrollees in New Hampshire’s Medicaid Care Management program. AmeriHealth Caritas New Hampshire helps the state’s Medicaid population get care, stay well, and build healthy communities by addressing the acute and broader social factors that drive health outcomes.For more information, visit www.amerihealthcaritasnh.com.

You may also be interested in

Web Design Company in Singapore
Web Design Company Singapore

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Falling Leaves, Football, Halloween, And A New Kitchen

Falling Leaves, Football, Halloween, And A New Kitchen ( NewsUSA ) – Many people believe spring or summer is the best time of year to get your dream kitchen.Not so fast.Those seasons may be the most popular time of year for a project such as this, but when you take a deeper dive into the world of home remodeling, you’ll find October and November are actually the best times to remodel your kitchen. By taking advantage of the fall season, you can get your project done before the holidays (and save a ton of money.)  Slower season means better values  Spring and summer may seem the ideal time to begin a remodel project, but it’s the busy season for contractors and retailers know it. High demand can mean higher prices and longer lead times to get things done. More people are recognizing this and getting their kitchen done in the fall. They can find better deals and, just as importantly, get their house ready for the holidays.Here are some insider tips: * Watch for the sale. Retailers wil...

Five-Star Caribbean Resort Caters to Every Taste

Five-Star Caribbean Resort Caters to Every Taste ( NewsUSA ) – Many of today’s travelers seek a sense of community and connection at their destinations. Travelers seeking a Caribbean getaway with a welcoming feel and local flavor need look no further than the Bay Gardens Resorts on the beautiful island of St. Lucia.The Bay Gardens Resorts properties are ideally situated to take advantage of the best restaurants, activities, and events that the community of St. Lucia has to offer. For example, the month of October featured the Saint Lucia Arts & Heritage Festival, and included music, theater, lectures, art exhibitions, and street parties, all conveniently located in nearby Rodney Bay Village for easy access by Bay Gardens guests who booked its Creole Heritage Special.The feeling of community at Bay Gardens Resorts is mirrored in the resort’s local ownership, which conveys a different vibe than a large, international chain resort.Throughout its 25-year existence, the award-winning r...

Hispanic Homeowner Follows A Step-By-Step Plan to Buy A House

Hispanic Homeowner Follows A Step-By-Step Plan to Buy A House ( NewsUSA ) – A national housing survey found 88 percent of Hispanics felt homeownership was a good long-term investment, with 92 percent reporting they planned to be homeowners.Jocelyn Vasquez is living proof of those statistics.At a young age, her parents instilled the belief that if you owned a home, you had achieved the American dream. That dream of homeownership carried a lot of weight for her Hispanic parents, who had immigrated from El Salvador in 1977.Jocelyn turned the dream into an aggressive goal for herself:"My goal, as a U.S. citizen, was to graduate college and get a house before turning 30," says Jocelyn. "And, I wanted to do it on my own."To accomplish this, the Los Angeles, California resident made a roadmap for herself. She saved, attended college and kept her student loan debt as low as possible – all without burdening her parents.After she graduated, Jocelyn got a job as a loan office...