Local musician Jim Duff has the blues

Comment by drzrocks: Wednesday, July 14

I never heard anything impressive on his site at all....read more...

Humane Society comes under fire in local farming magazine

Comment by Truthseekerme: Thursday, July 8

Patti Strand, of the National Animal Interest Alliance, author of "The Hijacking of the Humane Movem...read more...

Humane Society comes under fire in local farming magazine

Comment by HillaryatHSUS: Wednesday, July 7

I work at the HSUS, and I’ve also worked at several animal shelters. Shelters do great work – ad...read more...

» Read more recent story comments
» Register for your account

A healthy community provides a holistic view of health and wellness that includes the physical and mental health of the residents. The healthy community continuously strives to build safe physical and social environments and to provide community resources that enable people to mutually support each other and to develop their maximum potential (Centers For Disease Control). October is designated as a time to focus on the mental health of people in the community and the mental illnesses that place us at risk for unhealthy behaviors and poor decision making. Today’s economic situation of unemployment, foreclosures, and a depressed market creates a climate of anxiety and uncertainty that affects our outlook on life. In fact, according to the Community Mental Health Council (CMHC) “the affects of stress and anxiety from life’s challenges are at epidemic portions.” If the stressors are not addressed they “will ultimately erode the very foundation we need for strength to build strong families and communities” (CMHC). During these times people are at particular risk for depression.

Depression is a serious medical condition that involves the body, mind and moods. It can affect your sleep, how well you get along with others, and your outlook on life. It affects more than 20 million Americans each year. The World Health Organization estimates that depression will rank second in worldwide disease burden by 2020! Heart disease will remain first.

Communities are encouraged to observe a Depression Screening Day during October to call attention to the illness of depression and to educate the public about the symptoms of depression as well as effective treatments. Screenings point out the presence or absence of depressive symptoms and may result in a referral for further evaluation, according to Mental Health America, and people suffering from depression often experience some of these key symptoms:

A persistent sad, anxious or “empty” mood

Sleeping too little, early morning awakening, or sleeping too much

Reduced appetite and weight loss, or increased appetite and weight gain

Loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed

Restlessness or irritability

Difficulty concentrating, remembering or making decisions

Fatigue or loss of energy

Thoughts of death or suicide

If you, or someone you care about, experience(s) five or more of these symptoms for longer than two weeks or if the symptoms are severe enough to interfere with your daily routine, screening for depression may be needed. You should see your physician, nurse practitioner or a qualified mental health professional for evaluation, treatment, or referral as appropriate to the findings.

When depression is recognized it is highly treatable and offers the opportunity for individuals to learn new behaviors to maintain mental health, to manage stress, and to achieve life balance.

Affordable and accessible health care for every one where depression screenings are a routine part of health care is critical to a healthy community. When we build safe and clean environments, demonstrate respect and support for others, create excellent schools, support strong families, and provide good housing we are creating healthy communities. Let us reduce the risk for depression and other illnesses as we promote wellness and continue to build a strong, healthy Lincoln County.

Patricia Calico, DNS, RN is a Faith Community Nurse in Lincoln County and an Adjunct Professor of Nursing.

Story comments

No comments on this article yet.

Posting comments on this web site requires free registration.

• Create your account
• Log in to your account