Dr. Linda Lang is President of Inova Behavioral Health Services.
Depression is not merely a passing bout of sadness, but a profound and persistent mental health disorder that casts a shadow over millions of lives. In the United States, depression affects nearly one-quarter of the population, transcending age, race, gender, and socioeconomic status. Depression can overtake many aspects of life, impacting the ability to work, sleep, eat, care for family members, and experience joy.
Inova’s Depression Screening Initiative
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, in April 2023, Inova launched universal depression screening across all primary and specialty outpatient locations. Every patient at Inova is screened for depression on a yearly basis, whether it is during an appointment with a primary care physician, cardiologist, OB-GYN, or other specialist. Beginning with a short questionnaire, if that screening shows serious signs of depression or suicide risk, a behavioral health specialist will be contacted, and connected immediately with the patient, to explore if more help is needed in real time.
In the first year since Inova began depression screening:
- More than 350,000 patients have been screened at Inova sites over the past year.
- Of those, almost 7,000 patients had thoughts of suicide, and 19,000 patients had moderate or high levels of depression.
The stigma around mental health issues has persisted for a long time – people were afraid to talk about it and ask for help – but it is finally receiving the attention it deserves. Inova’s screening has paved the way to begin the conversation, provide access to treatment, and ensure well-being.
Mental Health is Part of Your Whole Health
Depression also extends beyond the realm of mental health and can have a significant impact on one’s physical health and overall wellness. Individuals suffering from depression face an elevated risk of developing chronic diseases and existing health conditions can be exacerbated, which further diminishes quality of life.
Here are five ways that depression can impact a person’s overall health:
Depression and Isolation
People with depression may become isolated, avoid seeing friends and family, and in severe situations, stop going out altogether. Energy levels may be sluggish, sleep may be poor, and even taking a walk may seem like too much effort.
Depression and Substance Use
Someone who is depressed and trying to cope with the symptoms may turn to alcohol or drugs not prescribed by a provider to get through the day or help with sleep. This can lead to additional substance disorders.
Depression and Pain
If someone is injured and ends up in pain, that pain and physical limitation can change their whole lifestyle. Hopefully, this is temporary, although long periods of pain and physical injury may cause anxiety and depression, inability to enjoy activities you love, and stress about recovering.
Depression and the Heart
There is a two-way relationship between depression and heart disease, such that some people with no prior history of depression seem to develop depression at a higher rate following a heart attack. In addition, some people with depression and no previous history of heart disease seem to develop heart disease at a higher rate.
Depression and Cancer
Receiving a diagnosis of cancer can be very distressing. Depression may result from this life-changing diagnosis, along with fear about the future, or difficulty coping with cancer treatment.
Mental health is a crucial part of balancing physical and emotional wellness. Some ways to stay balanced include the following:
- Maintaining a daily routine,
- Exercising regularly can significantly help depression. Jogging, walking, yoga and going to the gym are all activities that contribute to your physical and emotional health.
- Sticking to the same sleep routine. Try to get at least seven hours of sleep and go to bed at the same time every night. Stay off your electronic devices before going to sleep.
- Avoiding alcohol.
- Asking family and friends for support if you feel you need it. Trying to overcome depression is not something you can do alone.
- Taking breaks. You might not be able to take a weeklong vacation to a tropical island, but you can take a mental health day off from work.
Recognizing the signs and symptoms of depression, early intervention, and taking proactive steps to seek help are crucial. Inova is committed to creating a safe space where patients feel comfortable talking about their mental health and connecting those who are experiencing depression with the help and resources they need.
Learn more about comprehensive care for mental health, substance use conditions, and depression screening at Inova.
Feature image, stock.adobe.com
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