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Office of Women's Health Home > Publications > Indiana Takes Action > Indiana Takes Action Table of Contents > Indiana Takes Action Clinical Depression Clincial Depression

Facts

  • Symptoms of depression are likely to affect 25 percent of all women and 11.5 percent of all men at some time in their lives.
  • In 1996, more than 100 women and 600 men in Indiana died from suicide.
  • Fifty percent of American women who experience clinical symptoms of depression do not seek treatment.

Who is At Risk?

  • Those with a family history of depression, indicating that a biological vulnerability may be inherited
  • Those who have experienced a significant loss; difficult relationship; financial problem; or a significant, stressful change in life
  • Women who face multiple stresses of home and work responsibilities, single parenthood, poverty, and/or caring for children and aging parents
  • Female high-school students
  • Women who have experienced acute or chronic physical illness, painful childhood experiences, substance abuse, or childbirth itself
  • Those who have suffered recent losses or the death of a parent before the age of 11.

Warning Signs

  • Persistent, sad, anxious, or "empty" mood
  • Loss of interest or pleasure in normal activities, including sex
  • Feelings of hopelessness, pessimism
  • Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, helplessness
  • Sleeping too much or too little-early morning awakening
  • Appetite and/or weight loss or overeating and weight gain
  • Decreased energy, fatigue, feeling "slowed down"
  • Thoughts of death or suicide, or suicide attempts
  • Restlessness, irritability · Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions
  • Persistent physical symptoms that do not respond to treatment, such as headaches, digestive disorders, and chronic pain.
  • If five or more of these symptoms persist for more than two weeks, or if they interfere with work or family life, a thorough diagnostic evaluation is needed, including a complete physical checkup and family health history.

Actions to Decrease the Risk of Depression

  • Regular exercise and a well-balanced diet.
  • Participation in family or community support system or self-help groups (when needed).
  • Routine screenings for depression.
  • A thorough physical examination to rule out any physical illnesses that may cause symptoms of depression, and a referral to qualified professionals. While depression is most often diagnosed by primary care physicians and psychiatrists, it can be diagnosed and treated by psychologists, psychiatric clinical nurse specialists, social workers, and other mental health professionals.
  • Evaluation of treatment. If one doesn't feel better after several weeks of treatment, or if symptoms become worse, it may be appropriate to seek a second medical opinion or ask for a different medical treatment. Candid discussions with providers are important.

Healthy People 2000 Target

Enhance the mental health and well-being of Indiana residents by providing well-defined, high quality mental health services.

For More Information
National Institute of Mental Health
Provides free brochures and materials on clinical depression

1-800-421-4211
317-638-3501

National Mental Health Association
Provides free information on 200 topics		 1-800-969-NMHA
Indiana Division of Mental Health 317-232-7800
Marion County Mental Health Association 1-800-901-1133
317-251-0005
Crisis and Suicide Phone Line 317-251-7575 (24 hours/day)
Depression after Delivery
A national self-help organization that provides support to women and families coping with the blues, anxiety, depression, or psychosis associated with a baby's arrival 		1-800-944-4733
National Organization of Single Mothers
Helps members find support 		708-888-KIDS

Indiana has 31 community mental health centers. For locations, call:
1-800-901-1133 (Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.)

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