Eric Scharf, Advocacy Advisor, Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance
Calling for a “revolution in mental health care to end decades of neglect, abuse and violence,” Dainus Pūras, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the right to health, has issued a report that calls for major changes in mental health care around the world.
by Chris, Families for Depression Awareness volunteer
A rough start in life
Growing up, Chris saw substance abuse and mood disorders on both sides of his family. “I remember my mother and father fighting a lot when we were kids,” Chris says. Both he and his little brother were smart, but the instability of their parents’ relationship and their mother’s subsequent remarriage took a toll on them.
MassMen, Massachusetts Department of Public Health Suicide Prevention Program
Of the more than 44,000 Americans who die by suicide each year, the vast majority—79%—of those who are taking their lives are men.
John Ogrodniczuk, PhD, Professor and Director of the Psychotherapy Program in the Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia
Depression is the leading cause of disability in the world, yet men are notoriously reluctant to reach out for help with depression. A number of roadblocks can get in their way, not the least of which are myths or concerns about treatments for depression.
Joshua R. Beharry, Project Coordinator, HeadsUpGuys
Depression is a difficult topic for many men to discuss, yet it’s one we need to talk about during this year’s Men’s Health Week (June 12th-18th).
Unfortunately phrases like “be strong,” “don’t cry,” “suck it up,” and “be a man” shape how young men think about their emotions and health, and discourage them from talking to others when things might not be going so well.
Families for Depression Awareness
For people living with mental health conditions, advance planning is a “must-do.” When our conditions render us unable to make measured decisions as we would at times when we are not in distress, having delusions, or otherwise not functioning as our usual selves, we want to know that we have made our wishes known, that our family members and support network know what to expect and what are their roles, and that our care team is ready, willing, and able to do as we have specified.
Alyson Lofthouse
Senior Associate Director, Global Health Program, School of Public Health, University of Illinois at Chicago
World Health Day on April 7 focuses on depression. Alyson Lofthouse makes the case for bringing depression to the forefront in addressing overall health and among refugees and immigrants.
Michael E. Thase, M.D.
Professor of Psychiatry
Director, Mood and Anxiety Disorders Treatment and Research Program
University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine
Care For Your Mind acknowledges and appreciates the collaboration of the National Network of Depression Centers for developing this post.
Depression affects more than 15 million Americans and it’s the leading underlying factor for people who attempt suicide. Only half of Americans diagnosed with major depression receive treatment. Because earlier diagnosis and treatment improve outcomes, mental health screenings should be a top priority.
You Care, Help Share During Mental Health Awareness Month Families for Depression Awareness
For Mental Health Awareness Month, Families for Depression Awareness has launched #YouCareHelpShare, a campaign to provide education and encouragement to family caregivers. Through the distribution of caregiver education materials and a social media awareness campaign, we aim to help caregivers all across the U.S. get the support, information, and resources they need to be effective partners in care.
The importance of caregivers
Caregivers of people with depression or bipolar disorder play a crucial role in their loved ones’ lives. Parents, spouses, siblings, and other close connections are pivotal in recognizing a problem, accessing care, and lending sup...
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