Depression stigma may be fading - Houston weather, traffic, news | FOX 26 | MyFoxHouston

Depression stigma may be fading

  • Melissa's Healthworks

  • Wednesday, May 22 2013 3:45 PM EDT2013-05-22 19:45:44 GMT
    Colon cancer is one of the most prevalent types of cancer. It's the second deadliest disease, but it's entirely preventable! A local man has been fighting it for years.
    Colon cancer is one of the most prevalent types of cancer. It's the second deadliest disease, but it's entirely preventable! A local man has been fighting it for years.
  • Monday, May 20 2013 9:57 AM EDT2013-05-20 13:57:08 GMT
    A local couple met on the Fourth of July several years ago.  Now that they're planning their wedding, they're trying to re-spark the fireworks.  How they plan to do that may surprise you, and it all has
    A local couple met on the Fourth of July several years ago.  Now that they're planning their wedding, they're trying to re-spark the fireworks.  How they plan to do that may surprise you, and it all has
  • Friday, May 17 2013 2:36 PM EDT2013-05-17 18:36:10 GMT
    Something magical is happening on the ice at Sugar Land Ice and Sports Arena.
    Something magical is happening on the ice at Sugar Land Ice and Sports Arena. A group of children with autism, and others with chromosomal and mental disorders, is learning social interaction, physical endurance, and self assurance in the ice rink.

THURSDAY, Oct. 11 (HealthDay News) -- Most Americans know what depression is and believe there is no shame in seeking treatment for the mental health condition, a new survey shows.

The public opinion poll, released Thursday to coincide with National Depression Screening Day, also revealed that most Americans would not change their vote even if they learned that a presidential candidate had been treated for depression.

National Depression Screening Day, an annual event in which community organizations, colleges and military installations offer free, anonymous mental health screenings, is meant to inform Americans about the signs and symptoms of depression and suicide, and appropriate treatment options.

"These findings tell us that our efforts to reduce stigma and increase the public's knowledge of depression through events like National Depression Screening Day are having an effect," Dr. Douglas Jacobs, founder of the nonprofit Screening for Mental Health Inc., which conducted the poll, said in an organization news release.

"The goal of the program is to educate people on the symptoms of depression, assess their risk for mood and anxiety disorders and connect those in need with local treatment services," said Jacobs, an associate clinical professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School.

The telephone poll of 1,021 adults, conducted in September, found that 53 percent of Americans know someone who has been treated for depression and 72 percent said they would also seek treatment if they experienced symptoms of depression.

Of those who knew someone personally who was affected by depression, 76 percent said they would seek help if they too developed symptoms of the condition. In contrast, only 66 percent of those who didn't know anyone who was depressed would do the same.

The researchers also found that 67 percent of Americans believe depression is usually treatable.

More information

Find out where you can access free screenings here.

Copyright © 2012 HealthDay. All rights reserved.

*DISCLAIMER*: The information contained in or provided through this site section is intended for general consumer understanding and education only and is not intended to be and is not a substitute for professional advice. Use of this site section and any information contained on or provided through this site section is at your own risk and any information contained on or provided through this site section is provided on an "as is" basis without any representations or warranties.
Powered by WorldNow

KRIV FOX 26
4261 Southwest Freeway
Houston, TX 77027

Phone: (713) 479-2801
Fax: (713) 479-2859

Didn't find what you were looking for?
All content © Copyright 2000 - 2013 Fox Television Stations, Inc. and Worldnow. All Rights Reserved.
Privacy Policy | Terms of Service | Ad Choices