Mental Health Awareness week spans October 4 through October 10. While this is not necessarily National Depression Awareness Week, it is the ideal time to talk about depression, including what it is and why people need to take it seriously. If you suffer from depression, the most important thing for you to know is that there is help available to you. Our team at Westwind Recovery® can provide you with that support.
Why Does National Depression Awareness Week Matter?
Depression awareness is important. Millions of adults in the United States alone struggle with depression from time to time, and this likely includes close friends and family members. When you realize just how devastating and common this condition is, it makes sense to want to learn more about it and to take steps to minimize its impact through a mental health treatment program.
Could You Be Suffering from Depression?
A component of raising depression awareness is knowing what’s happening to you. You may be able to spot depression in yourself if you invest wisely in what’s happening around you. Consider these symptoms:
- Do you feel tired all of the time?
- Are there times when you are anxious or agitated and you don’t know why?
- Do you feel profound sadness and hopelessness?
- Do you have trouble thinking or concentrating even on things you enjoy?
- Do you have unexplained physical problems like aches and pains or headaches?
- Is it common for you to talk about death and dying?
- Has making decisions become a challenge?
These could be indications of depression. That could mean you need mental health treatment. Do you recognize these symptoms in others? In either case, you should seek out available help from mental health treatment programs.
Recognize That Depression Treatment Is a Viable Option
Another important reason to focus on National Depression Awareness Week is simply that many people do not know depression treatment is available or they do not know how effective it can be. For some people, it can be a powerful change that opens the door for a wide range of new experiences. For example, depression often feels like a heavy weight you carry with you. No matter what you do during the day, you still feel sad and hopeless.
With depression treatment, it is possible to reduce at least some of that weight. You can start to see the good in the day. You may feel more willing to engage in life around you, too. Depression awareness also may mean recognizing that a friend or a family member needs treatment. Imagine what could happen to them if someone were to reach out and offer help to them.
Finding the Right Care Matters
Our team at Westwind Recovery® offers a wide range of treatment options designed to empower individuals and to give them the support they need. We encourage you to reach out to us to learn more about the powerful tools we can offer to help you to find strength and healing.
Some of our treatment programs might be ideal for you. Our options include the following:
- Medication-assisted treatment
- Virtual reality mediation therapy
- Art therapy programs
- Adventure therapy programs
Take the time to consider what depression treatment could mean for you. Invest in your health and in your future by reaching out for help.
Expand the Support You Get at Westwind Recovery®
Depression is a serious and sometimes life-threatening condition. Never take it lightly. Depression treatment can be very effective, but many people simply do not know how much help is available to them. During National Depression Awareness Week, take the steps you can to raise awareness of depression. Most importantly, if you need help, reach out to Westwind Recovery® now. Our counselors can help you at 855.340.8832 today.
Dr. Deena is the Chief Clinical Officer of Westwind Recovery®, an award-winning outpatient treatment center in Los Angeles where she oversees the clinical and administrative program and treatment methods. Dr. Deena is a doctor of psychology and licensed clinical social worker since 1993. LCSW #20628. Originally from the East Coast, Dr. Deena has worked running treatment centers, worked as a therapist in psychiatric hospitals as well as school settings and currently has a thriving private practice in the LA area. Dr. Deena has appeared regularly on the Dr. Phil Show as an expert since 2003. She has also been featured on many other TV shows, podcasts and has contributed to written publications as well as podcasts.
