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Depression: Understanding and Managing the Impact of Chronic Illnesses

Learn about the prevalence and symptoms of depression, particularly among individuals with chronic illnesses. Explore the link between depression and physical health conditions, and discover resources for support and treatment.

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Depression: Understanding and Managing the Impact of Chronic Illnesses

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  1. Sue Abderholden, MPH Executive Director NAMI Minnesota

  2. Depression • Almost 7% of the population had at least one major depressive episode in the past year. • People of all ages and racial, ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds experience depression • Depression is more common among women than among men • Risk factors include a personal or family history of depression or loss of family members to suicide. • Symptoms: • No joy in life • Difficult to make any decisions • Hard to read or even watch TV • Feeling hopeless, worried you won’t ever feel better • Feeling like a failure, having only negative thoughts • Can’t sleep well – either falling asleep or staying asleep • Feel tired and exhausted no matter how much you sleep – no energy • Food is either not appetizing or craving unhealthy foods

  3. Chronic Illnesses and Depression • Risk factors directly related to having another illness. Some conditions cause changes in the brain. Illness-related anxiety and stress can also trigger symptoms of depression. • People who have depression and another medical illness tend to have more severe symptoms of both illnesses. They may have more difficulty adapting to their co-occurring illness than those who do not also have depression. • Physiological changes seen in depression may play a role in increasing the risk of physical illness. Such as: • Signs of increased inflammation • Changes in the control of heart rate and blood circulation • Abnormalities in stress hormones • Metabolic changes typical of those seen in people at risk for diabetes

  4. Chronic Illnesses and Depression • Too tired to manage symptoms of the chronic illness • Difficulty remembering to follow through on treatment plan • Increased irritability • Lack of sleep may make exacerbate the symptoms of the illness • Not sure which one is causing the fatigue

  5. You Are Not Alone • Isolation is an issue. Seek out others facing similar challenges • Families need to educate themselves on both issues • Know that treatment works but it takes more than a pill • Resources: • NAMI Helpline at 800-950-6264 • Some states have mobile mental health crisis teams and warm lines • National Suicide Text Line • Text NAMI to 741741 • National Suicide Hotline • 1-800-273-TALK (8255)

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