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Mind Healthy Minute

What is depression and why should we talk about it?

Why talk about depression?

Welcome to the mind healthy minute, I'm Cammy Dierking the Channel 12 anchor and I'm Angie Ireck with WRRM/WMOJ. Today we will be talking about an important Cincinnati area health issue depression. According to the Health Improvement Collaborative, 44% of Cincinnatians have had feelings of sustained sadness over the past year. We have Dr. Campinha-Bacote here with us from the Health Improvement Collaborative to discuss the importance of treatment and recovery. Why should people having feelings of depression come forward?
Dr. Campinha-Bacote: It is important for people to realize that even though they may be battling feelings of depression, they can feel like themselves again. In most cases, if someone is having these feelings for more than two weeks, we would advise them to see their doctor to inquire about treatment options. But, with depression it is often difficult for the person affected to find the motivation to seek treatment. That is when friends and family should step in to help.
What are some of the treatment options available?
Dr. Campinha-Bacote: After speaking with their doctors, people are usually given the option of entering psychotherapy and/or taking antidepressant medications. As opposed to what many people may think, antidepressants are safe and very effective.
Thank you Dr. Campinha-Bacote. You can find more information on depression at www.guidetofeelingbetter.org. Thank you for listening to the mind healthy minute.
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What is depression?

Welcome to the mind healthy minute, I'm Cammy Dierking the Channel 12 anchor and I'm Angie Ireck with WRRM/WMOJ. Today we will be talking about an important Cincinnati area health issue depression. According to the Health Improvement Collaborative, one in five women can expect to develop clinical depression in her lifetime. Even more women can expect to experience the blues. When confronted with feelings of downheartedness it is important to know how to tell the difference between the two. Depression is a sustained illness that involves significant chemical imbalances in the brain while the blues are temporary and usually are a normal reaction to life situations. The blues only affect ones mood and in most cases, those suffering from the blues can maintain their normal daily life. On the other hand, depression has multiple symptoms including mood and physical changes along with changes in thinking. If you have been experiencing symptoms for more than two weeks, you should call your doctor. You can find more information on depression at www.guidetofeelingbetter.org. Early diagnosis can decrease treatment and recovery time. Thank you for listening to the mind healthy minute.
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Mind Health Minute

Identifying symptoms

Today we will be talking about an important Cincinnati health issue depression. According to the Health Improvement Collaborative, 44% of Cincinnatians have had feelings of sustained sadness this year. Since depression is such a prevalent health concern, knowing its symptoms is crucial.
Depression can be recognized through three major categories of change in one's life changes in mood, physicality or thinking. Mood changes can be seen in mood swings or changes in temperament, while physical changes may be evident in you or your loved one's appetite. Thought process changes are noticeable with symptoms like trouble concentrating or negative attitudes toward usually positive things.
Be sure to listen in the coming weeks for more detailed information. If you or a loved one is experiencing these symptoms, you may have depression. For a free guide to feeling better, please visit www.guidetofeelingbetter.org. Physical Changes
Depression can be recognized through mood, physical or thought process changes in your daily life. Today we will discuss physical changes associated with depression. What is the most common physical change occurring in people with depression? Sleep disruption. Most depressed persons experience either trouble falling asleep and staying asleep or are oversleeping. A lack of energy to carry out normal daily tasks and changes in appetite are also common. Experiencing noticeable physical changes in conjunction with mood and thought process changes for more than two weeks, may be a sign of depression.
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Thought Process Changes

Depression can be recognized through mood, physical or thought process changes in your daily life. Today's focus is on thought process changes associated with depression.
Thought process changes can include trouble concentrating or making decisions, feelings of worthlessness and inappropriate guilt along with preoccupation with thoughts of death or suicide. You may notice a situation where you or a loved one has a negative or uncertain outlook on the future or are continually unproductive and lethargic at work. Experiencing noticeable changes in thinking in conjunction with mood and physical changes for more than two weeks, may be a sign of depression.
For more information on additional symptoms regarding though process changes associated with depression, please visit www.guidetofeelingbetter.org.
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Mind Health Minute

Dealing with Stress

What is stress?

Stress is a natural part of life and can be linked to depression. Depression can be triggered by heavy stress associated with negative events or an accumulation of extended responsibilities and concerns. According to the National Mental Health Association, 75-90 percent of visits to physicians are stress-related. Today we will talk about the relationship between stress and depression.
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Are there different types of stress?

There are two major types of stress. You can feel physical stress, which can be feelings of too much to do, not enough sleep, a poor diet or the effects of an illness. Stress can also be mental. For example, you worry about money, a loved one's illness, retirement or experience an emotionally devastating event.
How would you know if you are suffering from stress?
There are several symptoms that can help you identify negative reactions to stress such as, inability to stop worrying, loss in pleasure from usually enjoyable activities and chronic pain, headaches or backaches.
You can find more information on the relationship between stress and depression at www.guidetofeelingbetter.org.
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Coping with stress

Stress is a natural part of life and can be linked to depression. Depression can be triggered by heavy stress associated with negative events or an accumulation of extended responsibilities and concerns. According to the National Mental Health Association, 75-90 percent of visits to physicians are stress related. Here are some things you can do every day to cope with
stress. Wake up earlier ¨Write it down¨ Set appointments ¨Say NO more often¨ Use time wisely ¨Set priorities¨ Avoid negative people ¨Break down large tasks¨ View problems as challenges ¨Un-clutter your life¨ Smile more ¨Look for the silver lining¨ Schedule play time ¨Take a bubble bath¨ Believe in yourself ¨Set goals¨ Ask a friend for a hug ¨Stop a bad habit¨ Breathe slowly ¨Find a venting partner¨ Do it today ¨Be optimistic¨ Do things in moderation ¨Recognize the importance of unconditional love¨ Build a support network ¨Do something new¨ Quit trying to fix others ¨Remember your options¨ strive for excellence, not perfection ¨Exercise¨ Know your limits and keep a journal ¨Remember stress is an attitude, not a condition.
You can find more information on stress and its relationship to depression at www.guidetofeelingbetter.org.
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How is depression treated?

Welcome to the Mind Healthy Minute. Eight to ten percent of Americans will develop depression at some time in their lives. Here's Dr. Priscilla Wood to talk to us about the ways depression can be treated. Depression can be treated with a very high success rate. Actually, more than 80 percent of people with depression can be treated successfully with medication, psychotherapy or a combination of both. There are two types of psychotherapy available; cognitive and interpersonal. Both methods try to teach the depressed person how to change the outlooks they have on their lives by identifying the source from which the depression may have developed. Psychotherapy is often used alone to treat depression, especially when it's mild; however when depression is more serious, psychotherapy is used in conjunction with antidepressant medications. There are several types of anti-depression medication today all of which research has shown to be effective and safe.
For information on treatment options please visit www.guidetofeelingbetter.org. Thank you for listening to the Mind Healthy Minute.
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Is it safe to take antidepressants?

How can depression be treated with psychotherapy?

Welcome to the Mind Healthy Minute. Eight to ten percent of Americans will develop depression at some time in their lives. One of the ways people can treat depression is through psychotherapy.
Psychotherapy is a talking therapy and has received particularly good research support and can be used in combination with antidepressant medications. There are two major categories of psychotherapy: cognitive therapy and interpersonal therapy.
The goal of cognitive therapy is to help clients overcome their current depression and learn skills to prevent future episodes by helping depressed persons to replace their negative ways of thinking with more adaptive, positive ways of thinking.
The goal of interpersonal therapy focuses on helping the depressed person identify and improve the problems in their interpersonal relationships that may be associated with the onset of their depression.
For information on treatment options please visit www.guidetofeelingbetter.org. Thank you for listening to the Mind Healthy Minute.
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Risks of Not Treating Depression

11 percent of those adults sought help for these feelings, indicating that 75 percent did not. There are several risks associated with not treating depression especially in its early stages.
Depression effects every part of one's life. It can damage personal relationships and reduce one's productivity at work.
Depression is considered to be the most life threatening mental disorder. In fact, it's estimated that 20 percent of people with depression will die by suicide unless adequately treated.
Depression is not a weakness; it is an illness that is caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain. It is more than just a blue mood, and no amount of cheering up can make it go away. However, depression is very treatable with over 80 percent of those who seek treatment showing improvement.
For information on treatment options please visit www.guidetofeelingbetter.org. Thank you for listening to the Mind Healthy Minute.
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Symptoms of depression and suicide

Welcome to the Mind Healthy Minute. Early diagnosis is essential for recovery from depression. More than 80 percent of people with depression can recover with treatment. Here's Enid Grant from Family Services to talk with us about the importance of early diagnosis of depression.
Enid, how should a family member or loved one address someone they suspect is battling depression?
Depression can cause confusion or withdrawal, so it's extremely helpful for family or friends to confront the person affected about seeking a healthcare evaluation. First, tell the person you have noticed their change in attitude. Take them seriously and let them know you are concerned. Give them the opportunity to talk to you about how they are feeling. They may need your support to help convince them that they deserve to feel better.
Depression can be successfully and safely treated with antidepressants, psychotherapy or a combination of both. If depression goes untreated, you are at higher risk for more frequent and severe depression. Depression is the most life threatening mental disorder. Up to 20 percent of people with depression will commit suicide unless adequately treated.
For information on symptoms of depression and treatment options please visit www.guidetofeelingbetter.org. Thank you for listening to the Mind Healthy Minute.
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Welcome to the mind healthy minute. Your guide to feeling better.
One in 4 of us in the tri-state will have depression or anxiety this year.
I have Gwen McFarland, Clinical Manager at the Behavioral Health Unit at the Christ Hospital, here with me. Gwen, give us your perspective.
The stigma of mental illness continues to be a roadblock for those who are trying to cope. It hovers over the person, as well as the family. This stigma from society is fueled by ignorance and fear. It frightens a person to the point that they avoid seeking help. People must realize that mental illness is a disease. It is found in all ages. Education about this fact is the key. Get educated. Don’t reject, but accept. Everyone deserves to feel better.
Call your doctor, see a mental health professional, and check out www.guidetofeelingbetter.org for more information, screenings and resources.

Welcome to the mind healthy minute. Your guide to feeling better.
Depression and anxiety are not normal at any age.
I have Gwen McFarland, Clinical Manager at the Behavioral Health Unit at the Christ Hospital, here with me. Gwen give us your perspective.
Mental illness is a disease requiring treatment, just as a person must receive treatment for diabetes or cancer. It is a disease that anyone can have and it is found in people of all ages, from children to the elderly. There is a stigma around mental illness that sometimes keeps people from seeking treatment. Education is the key to changing attitudes and decreasing the stigma. It is my hope that by increasing awareness about mental illness, people will no longer experience rejection, but acceptance. Everyone deserves to feel better.
Call your doctor, see a mental health professional, and check out www.guidetofeelingbetter.org for more information, screenings and resources.
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Welcome to the mind healthy minute. Your guide to feeling better.
The support of family and friends is vital to recovery from any mental health issue. I have John Riesenberg, here with me. John tell us your story.
I was 18 years old and started showing signs of bipolar disorder - drastic mood swings from great highs to great lows. My mother recognized my condition from the beginning. She knew the symptoms well. My dad also has bipolar disorder. My parents helped me seek treatment then, which includes medication and therapy, and they continue to support me now through the life-long process of recovery. If someone you love is dealing with depression or anxiety, encourage them to seek treatment. They deserve to feel better and you can help.
Call your doctor, see a mental health professional, and check out www.guidetofeelingbetter.org for more information, screenings and resources.


Welcome to the mind healthy minute. Your guide to feeling better.
People need to be able to discuss their health issues and not feel judged.
I have John Riesenberg, here with me. John tell us your story.
When I was first diagnosed with a type of depression, I was embarrassed. I didn’t want anyone to know. I thought all the time about how I could hide it from them. Then I realized depression is a physical condition, a chemical imbalance. It is not a character weakness. When I stopped worrying about the stigma it was like coming out of jail. I find now that people are proud of what I have accomplished in my recovery. Don’t let the stigma of mental illness stop you from getting treatment. You deserve to feel better.
Call your doctor, see a mental health professional, and check out www.guidetofeelingbetter.org for more information, screenings and resources.

Welcome to the mind healthy minute. Your guide to feeling better.
More than 85% of people with depression will achieve full recovery with treatment.
I have John Riesenberg, here with me. John tell us your story.
I lead a normal life. I have a job, good relationships with my family and friends, and am a middle school basketball coach. I also have a type of depression. Before treatment, I felt like I was in a dark basement, with no way out. With medication and therapy, I am able to appreciate every day. I know where I’ve been and I don’t want to go back there. If you are dealing with depression or anxiety issues, get treatment. You can begin actually living your life. You deserve to feel better
Call your doctor, see a mental health professional, and check out www.guidetofeelingbetter.org for more information, screenings and resources.
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Welcome to the mind healthy minute. Your guide to feeling better.
It's important to be both physically and mentally well and to treat all medical illnesses, simultaneously.
I have Fred Hollis, a community leader, with me. Fred what is your perspective.
Today we live with many pressures. Even the strongest individuals can have trouble coping. But, you don’t have to live under a cloud when help is available. Physicians and mental health professionals have the same aim: returning you to full operation. I treat seeing a mental health professional the same way as a visit to my physician.
Anything that affects the way you operate deserves immediate attention. You owe it to your family and yourself. Life is much brighter when the weight has been lifted. You deserve to feel better.
Call your doctor, see a mental health professional, and check out www.guidetofeelingbetter.org for more information, screenings and resources.
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Welcome to the mind healthy minute. Your guide to feeling better.
One in four of us in the tri-state will have depression or anxiety this year.
I have Maureen here with me. Maureen, tell us your story
I have depression and anxiety disorders. 5 years ago, I was suicidal. Fortunately, I got help right away. Counseling, medication and a great support system have brought me to the point of recovery. Treatment has improved every aspect of my life. I don’t need to feel unworthy or embarrassed for having a mental health issue, I don’t need to use alcohol to feel better. I encourage everyone to seek this kind of help - it is the difference between life and death. Don’t wait to get help. You deserve to feel better.
Call your doctor, see a mental health professional, and check out www.guidetofeelingbetter.org for more information, screenings and resources.

Welcome to the mind healthy minute. Your guide to feeling better.
One in four of us in the tri-state will have depression or anxiety this year.
I have Maureen here with me. Maureen, tell us your story
I have depression and anxiety disorders. 5 years ago, I was suicidal. Fortunately, I got help right away. Counseling, medication and a great support system have brought me to the point of recovery. Treatment has improved every aspect of my life. I don’t need to feel unworthy or embarrassed for having a mental health issue, I don’t need to use alcohol to feel better. I encourage everyone to seek this kind of help - it is the difference between life and death. Don’t wait to get help. You deserve to feel better.
Call your doctor, see a mental health professional, and check out www.guidetofeelingbetter.org for more information, screenings and resources.
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Welcome to the mind healthy minute. Your guide to feeling better.
Stressful life events are some of the greatest risk factors for depression.
I have Mary here with me. Mary, tell us your story
I was diagnosed with cancer, then my husband said he wanted a divorce. I was devastated - I spent the next 6 months wishing I was not alive. The strangest part is that I am a psychiatric nurse, but I thought I could just get through it myself. I did get through it, but not without a lengthy struggle. I am a mother, but somehow even that didn’t make a difference. A year and a half ago, my daughter died suddenly. This time was different. I couldn’t face despair again. This time, I called my doctor. I deserved to feel better and so do you.
Call your doctor, see a mental health professional, and check out www.guidetofeelingbetter.org for more information, screenings and resources.
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Welcome to the mind healthy minute. Your guide to feeling better.
People need to be able to discuss their health issues and not feel embarrassed or judged.
I have Paul here with me. Paul, tell us your story
I suffer from bipolar illness. I spent many years trying to cover up this fact. I was afraid of what other people would think. It kept me from getting treatment and lead to a day of depression that almost ended in suicide. I now realize that I wasted a great deal of my life being concerned about the stigma attached to mental illness. With seeing a doctor and taking medication, my life is coming back to me. Don’t wait another day to seek treatment for depression. You deserve to feel better.
Call your doctor, see a mental health professional, and check out www.guidetofeelingbetter.org for more information, screenings and resources.

Welcome to the mind healthy minute. Your guide to feeling better.
Anyone can have depression or anxiety disorders.
I have Paul here with me. Paul, tell us your story
I’m a published song writer and author, a stand-up comic, a husband of 20 years and a father of 3 great children. I also suffer from bipolar illness. I’ve had symptoms of the illness since I was 11, but did not get treatment until 2 years ago. I wish I had gotten this treatment earlier, as I wasted a great deal of my life being isolated and sick. If you feel depressed or think you have a mental health concern, there is help. Don’t wait another day. You deserve to feel better.
Call your doctor, see a mental health professional, and check out www.guidetofeelingbetter.org for more information, screenings and resources.
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Welcome to the mind healthy minute. Your guide to feeling better.
Up to 60% of people who abuse substances actually use them to ease symptoms of illnesses like depression and anxiety.
I have Rita here with me. Rita, tell us your story
In my life I have abused both drugs and alcohol to self-medicate my mental illness. I wanted to get rid of the pain and anguish I had always experienced. At age 49, I was finally properly diagnosed. I started taking the right medication and going to therapy which addressed my issues, helped me cope and educated me about my illness. Being diagnosed with a mental illness not was not the end of the road for me. It was the beginning of a new and healthier life filled with joy and hope. I deserved to feel better and so do you.
Call your doctor, see a mental health professional, and check out www.guidetofeelingbetter.org for more information, screenings and resources.

Welcome to the mind healthy minute. Your guide to feeling better.
Mental and physical illnesses often co-exist. It is important to treat both.
I have Rita here with me. Rita, tell us your story
Medical traumas, beginning at birth, filled me with a sense of utter hopelessness. I was 10 years old when I tried to commit suicide for the first time. I lived for 39 years in agony, shame and guilt. But, I did get help. My only regret in life is that I did not receive treatment sooner for my depression. I am now living a life that is productive, hope-filled and joyful. Don’t wait until you reach the bottom, as I did. There is help and hope. You deserve to feel better.
Call your doctor, see a mental health professional, and check out www.guidetofeelingbetter.org for more information, screenings and resources.
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Welcome to the mind healthy minute. Your guide to feeling better.
Depression is expected to be the number 1 disability in the world by the year 2020.
I have Sheri Hyden here with me. Sheri, tell us your story
I am a person with several different mental health diagnoses. Some are biological and others were brought on my life circumstances that were too overwhelming. I have spent much of my life trying to survive these symptoms. I had no idea what was waiting for me when I finally sought treatment. I have learned how to cope with the symptoms of my illness. I finally feel like I am living, not just running from my illness. Getting help was the most important decision of my life. Don’t wait. You deserve to feel better.
Call your doctor, see a mental health professional, and check out www.guidetofeelingbetter.org for more information, screenings and resources.

Welcome to the mind healthy minute. Your guide to feeling better.
Depression is expected to be the number 1 disability in the world by the year 2020.
I have Sheri Hyden here with me. Sheri, tell us your story
I always thought I was just crazy and nobody could possibly understand me. I spent so much time running from problems and suffering needlessly. Then, I got help with medication and therapy. My life did not change overnight, but from the very beginning I started to feel hope. That word had never been in my vocabulary. I also started to understand what people meant by “self-esteem.“ Don’t wait to get help. A new outlook on life is waiting for you. You deserve to feel better.
Call your doctor, see a mental health professional, and check out www.guidetofeelingbetter.org for more information, screenings and resources.
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Welcome to the mind healthy minute. Your guide to feeling better.
Depression may occur at any time during a women’s life cycle, with events like puberty, pregnancy and menopause increasing the risk.
I have Susie here with me. Susie, tell us your story
After a complicated pregnancy and hysterectomy, I was faced with hormonal imbalances and symptoms of menopause at an early age. While hormone replacement therapy helped alleviate the physical symptoms, mentally, I was wreck. Trying to cope and care for my family was overwhelming. I finally talked to my doctor about what I was going through. With medication and therapy, I was soon on my way to being whole again. Had I known it was that easy, I would have spoken up sooner. I deserved to feel better and so do you.
Call your doctor, see a mental health professional, and check out www.guidetofeelingbetter.org for more information, screenings and resources.
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