Depression

Description

Depression is one of the most common and most serious mental health problems facing people today. Over 1 in 5 Americans can expect to have some form of depression in their lifetime. Depression presents in a number of forms, such as clinical depression, postpartum depression, and major depression. All forms of depression interfere with normal functioning and cause pain and suffering to those with the disorder as well as to their family and friends. Even with public awareness campaigns, many people still do not seek treatment because of the stigma associated with mental disorders. Most depressive disorders, no matter how severe, are readily treatable with a combination of medication and psychotherapy. (Mentalhealth.net, http://depression.mentalhelp.net)

Wegner Center Resources

Depression and its treatment, John H. Greist and James W. Jefferson, Book
Wegner Books WM 171 G824d 1992

Depression: a reason for hope, SmithKline Beecham Pharmaceutical, Video
Wegner Electronic WM 171 D442 1996

Depression is the pits, but I'm getting better: a guide for adolescents, E. Jane Garland, Book
Wegner Childrens  WM 171 G233 1997

Managing your mind: the mental fitness guide, Gillian Butler & Tony Hope, Book
Wegner Books WM 75 B985 1995

My father, the nutcase, Judith Caseley, Book
Wegner Books WS 105.5.F2 C337 1992

Overcoming depression, Demitri F. Papolos & Janice Papolos, Book
Wegner Books WM 171 P360 1992

When someone you love is depressed: how to help your loved one without losing yourself, Laura Epstein Rosen & Xavier Francisco Amador, Book
Wegner Books WM 171 R813 1996

Homespun Medical Tips - Requires RealAudio

Depression
with Dr. Debra Johnston, Family Practice Physician from Brookings, SD (September 2001)

Depression and ECT Treatment
with Dr. Robert Giebink, Psychiatrist from Sioux Falls, SD (May 2001)

Web Resources

DepressionClinic.com
http://www.depressionclinic.com
This site explains the effects of depression, the importance of getting help, and the symptoms, causes, and treatment of this illness. The site addresses a wide variety of topics, including stress, coping, and depression in the workplace.

MEDLINEplus Health Information: Depression
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/depression.html
This web site is a service of the National Library of Medicine. The depression page offers links to depression information and web sites about depression. “MEDLINEplus is a link to quality health care information…for anyone with a medical question.”

Mentalhealth.net
http://depression.mentalhelp.net
This is an informational Web site that includes symptom and treatment summaries and links to online resources, depression organizations, and online chat groups.

National Depressive and Manic-Depressive Association
http://www.ndmda.org
"The mission of the National Depressive and Manic-Depressive Association is to educate patients, families, professionals, and the public concerning the nature of depressive and manic-depressive illness as treatable medical diseases; to foster self-help for patients and families; to eliminate discrimination and stigma; to improve access to care; and to advocate for research toward the elimination of these illnesses." 

National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI)
http://www.nami.org
A support and advocacy organization of consumers, families, and friends of people with severe mental illness. The organization has over 1,200 state and local affiliates - local affiliates often give guidance to finding treatment.

The National Foundation For Depressive Illness (NAFDI)
http://www.depression.org
"The National Foundation For Depressive Illness (NAFDI) was established in 1983 to provide public and professional information about Affective Disorders, the availability of treatment, and the urgent need for further research. The Foundation is committed to an extensive, ongoing public information campaign addressed to this pervasive, costly, and hidden national emergency."

National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH): Depression
http://www.nimh.nih.gov/publicat/depression.cfm
This web site offers comprehensive information on depression as a disorder, types and causes of depression, symptoms, and evaluation and treatment. It also gives advice on how to seek help for oneself or a loved one who has signs of depression.

US Food and Drug Administration (FDA): Dealing with the Depths of Depression
http://www.fda.gov/fdac/features/1998/498_dep.html
A narrative page that discusses famous figures who have battled depression, such as Abraham Lincoln and Mark Twain. It also describes the disorder, discusses how to recognize symptoms, and offers options for seeking help.