National Health Care Resources for Individuals Dealing with Depression
The Centers for Disease Control estimate that as many as one in ten adults in the United States suffer from depression – that’s about 30 million. And with the winter months approaching, the prevalence of SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) only compounds the devastating statistics. If you or someone you love is experiencing symptoms of depression, it isn’t necessary to suffer in silence. You aren’t weak, and you aren’t alone. Take advantage of this guide to national health care resources for individuals dealing with depression, and get back on the path to feeling like yourself again.
VIRTUAL RESOURCES
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/depression/index.shtml
Identity symptoms of depression (including SAD), learn about treatment options, and browse through ongoing clinical trials.
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
MentalHealth.gov
Learn about depression and health insurance coverage, suicide prevention, and read stories of hope and recovery.
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP)
Note: If you are considering suicide, call (800) 273-TALK immediately.
Whether you are struggling yourself or worried about somebody else, the AFSP can help. Get the facts, find local support groups, and browse extensive links other web resources.
WebMD
http://www.webmd.com/depression/guide/depression-resources
Browse WebMD’s collection of links to quality virtual resources like the American Psychiatric Association and the American Psychological Association. Watch depression videos, find a doctor, and read about postpartum depression.
PHYSICAL RESOURCES
Mayo Clinic
(with locations in Florida, Arizona, and Minnesota)
http://www.mayoclinic.org/depression/
“Mayo Clinic psychiatrists, psychologists, nurses and other team members have extensive experience and expertise in treating mild to serious depression and other mood disorders. They also have experience treating depression that’s affected by other medical problems.”
McClean Hospital
115 Mill St.
Belmont, MA 02478
(800) 333-0338
Affiliated with Harvard and ranked #1 by U.S. News for psychiatry. “The Center embraces a multi-disciplinary approach to improve our understanding of the psychological, environmental, and neurobiological factors implicated in affective disorders. The Center is home to many research projects, including studies that utilize neuroimaging techniques to investigate depression.”
University of Michigan Depression Center
4250 Plymouth Rd
Ann Arbor, MI 48105
(734) 936-4400
http://www.depressioncenter.org/
“Established in 2001, the University of Michigan Comprehensive Depression Center (UMDC) is the first of its kind devoted entirely to bringing depression into the mainstream of medical research, translational care, education, and public policy. The Center is at the forefront in changing the paradigm of how depression and bipolar illnesses are understood and treated.”
Timberline Knolls Residential Treatment Center
40 Timberline Dr
Lemont, IL 60439
(877) 257-9612
http://www.timberlineknolls.com/mood-personality/depression
“Timberline Knolls Residential Treatment Center is respected nationwide for its treatment of eating disorders, substance abuse and addiction, and mood disorders. Our residents – adult women and adolescent girls – come to us when they need immediate, life-saving and life-changing help. Our vision is to help residents achieve lifelong recovery by bringing together clinical treatment with spiritual and emotional growth.”
About the author:
Dr. Robin B. Risler, PSYD is a licensed Psychologist in Philadelphia. She is a frequent author on mental and emotional health issues.