Today, I want to explore a topic with you all that, while it has always been important to discuss, has become increasingly so during the pandemic, and that's the topic of depression. The one positive thing that has come out of COVID is that it has become a little bit more normal to talk about mental health, and as many of you know, my background is in this area. With the staggering mental health statistics over these past two years in our country, there's no better time than now to take a deep dive into just what depression is and what steps we can all take to recognize and address it.

I begin today's discussion by defining depression and listing some shocking mental health findings in America pre- and post-2019. I touch on the concerning numbers of people without privilege and access to mental health treatment due to poverty or even stigma, and highlight the fact that the increasing percentage of adults with mental illness who report unmet need for treatment has increased every year since 2011. The factors that play a role in depression, the differences between depression from sadness, and some ways to get help and treatment when depressed are also reviewed. Lastly, I talk about ways to reduce symptoms of depression, including regular exercise, quality sleep, and eating a healthy diet. I cannot stress enough that his is an extremely important conversation to have, and I sincerely hope that, as you listen in today, should you find that you are experiencing symptoms of depression, you take the time to care of yourself and find the help you need.

As always, if there is ever a topic you would like me to discuss, a guest you'd like me to interview on the podcast, or feedback you wish to offer, please feel free to contact me at [email protected] - I would love to hear from you!

The Finer Details of This Episode:

• What depression is
• Statistics of mental health pre- and post-2019
• Addressing the unmet need for treatment
• The difference between sadness and depression
• Symptoms of depression
• Factors that play a role in depression
• Forms of treatment for depression
• The value of psychotherapy
• How to reduce the symptoms of depression

Quotes:

"To see that people are starting to share more and be more honest and open about their own mental health is really good."

"I believe that information statistics are important because if you don't suffer from depression or any type of mental illness, then it's important for you to know so you can help in your community, in your schools, your neighborhood, and your families. There are ways that we can provide support, and there are nonprofits in every community that need funding and volunteers and so forth."

"When we experience loss, you might even describe yourself as being depressed, but that is not the same as having depression. The grieving process is natural."

"But distinguishing between grief and depression is important because it can help you in getting help."

"If one identical twin has depression, the other has a 70% chance of having the illness sometime in life."

"This is why I don't watch the news. I'm completely in the dark about stuff. I've told you this many times. I get the skim every day, I get a little bit of news, and that is enough for me because years ago, I realized that watching the news in the morning completely messed me up."

"Differences in certain chemicals in the brain may contribute to symptoms of depression. And that's why medication is really helpful and beneficial."

"The good news is that depression is among the most treatable of mental disorders. So between 80% and 90% of people with depression eventually respond really well to treatment. Almost all people who get help gain some relief from their symptoms."

"If you're experiencing symptoms (of depression), make that first step see your doctor or a psychiatrist or a psychologist or therapist, have an evaluation, and get somebody who will help you address your needs."

"If you have a loved one who's struggling and they're resisting help, maybe find them some information or some additional research, talk about how there are a lot of people that are starting to get help."

Show Links:

Kelly's homepage - www.kellytravis.net

Social: @shedoesntsettle

Mental Health America: https://mhanational.org/ Find help: https://mhanational.org/finding-help