Today's MIND Mental Health podcast episode is all about Discussing Depression: How it manifests differently in people, ways to identify depression in yourself and others, shocking statistics, and both positive and negative coping skills. Please join our hosts, Matthew Joseph and Kristen Kluber (now a second-year medical student), as they speak openly about their personal experiences with depression and battle to fight stigmas. They provide resources for people experiencing depression as well as things people can do to help their friends and loved ones. At the end of the episode, they challenge their listeners with three things they can do daily for self-reflection.

I encourage everybody to listen because it is common for healthcare students to experience depressive symptoms throughout their time in school. Medical students that reported high levels of stress during first-year increase their odds of experiencing depressive symptoms by 49% during fourth year. Also, those with little social support during first year are 44% more likely to show signs of depression in 4th year. Help us break down the walls of stigma surrounding depression!

Resources: 

If you’re feeling suicidal or just need to talk, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline for free at 1-800-273-8255.

CARE Team with the office of Care and Civility on UNTHSC website - https://www.unthsc.edu/care-and-civility/care-team/

On call Care Team phone line: 817-735-2740

Contact your primary healthcare provider if you feel you are experiencing depressive symptoms.