To the Editor,
It is likely that you or someone you care about has been impacted by depression. October is National Depression Awareness Month, a time to bring awareness to the prevalence of depression. According to a Gallup report from earlier in 2023, 29 percent, or about 3 in 10, of U.S. adults report having been diagnosed with depression at some point in their lifetime. This is nearly 10 percent higher than in 2015. The report also found that young adults reported higher rates of depression than any other age group; nearly a quarter of adults under 30 say they are currently depressed.
Symptoms of depression can include feeling hopeless, down on yourself and your life, inability to enjoy things that used to bring you joy, and fatigue or lack of energy. Depression can become severe and take a great toll on families and employers and can even become life-threatening when people become suicidal or complete suicide. However, even those with severe symptoms respond well to treatment. Though close to 80 percent of people improve with treatment, almost two thirds of people who experience depression do not seek out treatment.
Treatment can include therapy or medication, but most people benefit most from combining medication such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). If you or someone you know is struggling with depression start by getting connected to trusted family, friends, or other supports as well as a mental health professional. We know that getting connected to help and starting treatment can be challenging. Fortunately, there are organizations like Coordinated Behavioral Health Services (CBHS) that can help; the agencies that are part of our organization provide treatment and other essential support throughout the Hudson Valley, and we can connect you to the care you need. You can also call 911 or contact the Suicide & Crisis Hotline via call or text at 988.
If you or someone you know is being impacted by depression, please reach out. There is help and there is hope!
Mark Sasvary, Ph.D., LCSW
Chief Clinical Officer
Coordinated Behavioral Services
