RESOURCES
Depression
is a complex disease that affects nearly one in every ten
people. It is usually described as a pervasive feeling of
a depressed or blue mood lasting more than two weeks, and
associated with other common symptoms such as insomnia,
change in appetite, feelings of hopelessness or despair,
feelings of guilt, and/or a loss of interest in activities.
Untreated depression can lead to suicide and other disease.
Luckily, depression is easily treated.
The
first place to turn if you or somebody you care about might
have depression, is your own family doctor. If you don't
have a doctor, click here to find
a doctor.
For
further reading on depression, we suggest the following
books which explore the experiences of depression as well
as the treatments.
Listening
to Prozac by Peter D. Kramer
Prozac
Nation: Young and Depressed in America: A Memoir by
Elizabeth Wurtzel
The
Adolescent Depression Workbook by Stuart MD Copans,
Mary Ellen MA MS Copeland
Having
a Crisis?
Befriendes.org has a detailed website with listings
of CRISIS centers and phone numbers throughout the US
and World. Other places to look for help include the Boys
Town National Crisis Hotline: 1-800-448-3000, (in English
or Spanish. TTY line for hearing impaired: 1-800-448-1833).
The National Alliance Mental Illness at 800-950-NAMI
(6264) is another dedicated hotline. Finally, if you or
somebody you know is suicidal, you can get help and information
at the National Crisis Line at 1-888-SUICIDE.
There
are also a number of good websites and other sources with
regards to depression. Our favorites include the
Wings Of Madness Depression Guide, the
National Institute of Mental Health and Befrienders.Org.
Other helpful sites include:
The
American Psychological Association Comprehensive website
including general information and news about psychology.
www.apa.org
Center
for Mental Health Services Information about mental health
services. www.mentalhealth.org
National Institute of Mental Health The national organization
devoted to treatment and research in mental health. www.nimh.nih.gov
National Alliance for the Mentally Ill Grass roots and self-help.
www.nami.org
American
Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Information about
childhood disorders and treatment. www.aacap.org
American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy. www.aamft.org
The
American Psychiatry Association www.psych.org
