Depression Awareness Month
October is National Depression Awareness Month and here at CHDC, we provide integrated Behavioral Health services to address depression and other mental health concerns. In this article we share statistics, provide helpful tips & resources, and encourage patients to utilize our Behavioral Health services at CHDC.
Depression In Pennsylvania
Read the statistics below to explore different populations in PA who were told by a health professional that they have a depressive disorder, including depression, major depression, minor depression or dysthymia (persistent depressive disorder). If you are struggling with depression and are reflected in these statistics, you are not alone! You have the power to create a brighter future for yourself and our team at CHDC is here to help.
Mental Health Tips
Prioritize Self Care
Ensure time for fun activities and hobbies, just as you would for a dental or medical appointment. Are you feeling overwhelmed? It’s okay to say “no” to commitments that drain your energy. Remember, taking care of yourself is not selfish - it’s essential to live a happy, balanced life!
Express Yourself
Share your thoughts, feelings, and needs with trusted individuals whether that’s a family member, friend, or therapist. Open communication can help you build stronger relationships, gain new perspectives, release pent-up emotions, and feel heard and understood.
Practice Positive Thinking
Focus on good things that occur in your life, no matter how small it may seem. Keeping a journal to write down positive thoughts, reflections, or things you are thankful for can be a great start to a healthier mindset. By focusing on the good, you’ll develop a more optimistic outlook.
Promote Work-Life Balance
Set clear boundaries between your work and personal life to reduce stress and increase productivity. Treat personal time with the same importance as work time. Be mindful of your workload and avoid taking on too much. Be present in the moment, focus on what you are doing, and acknowledge challenges with a positive attitude.
Depression & Anxiety
We screen for these symptoms at all our patient visits, with the goal of maximizing your quality of life. Our licensed Behavioral Health team is qualified to help provide you resources and tools to fight mental illness. No two people are the same, that’s why we treat patients on a person-by-person basis.
Additional Resources
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: The 988 Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress by calling or texting 988.
Access Services Mobile Crisis Support: Crisis can mean anything that feels overwhelming and out of control right now. You don’t have to face things alone. Crisis support is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 1-855-634-4673.
Sources: americashealthrankings.org/explore/measures/Depression_a/PA
For more information, visit our Behavioral Health page.
If you would like to schedule an appointment at CHDC, please call 610-326-9460 or visit our Become Our Patient page.