Vim & Vigor - Winter 2016 - Parrish Medical Center - 39


SPREADING
HOPE,
HELP AND
STRENGTH

TRUE OR FALSE:

TRUE OR FALSE:

TRUE. This may be related to biological factors, such as hormonal
changes associated with pregnancy,
motherhood and menopause. It may
also be related to the cultural and social
pressures put on women. For Winston,
how men and women deal with the illness makes a difference. Women are
more likely to talk about and accept the
fact that they're depressed, she says,
while men may mask depression with
drinking or other substances.

FALSE. Depression is a highly treatable condition, Winston says, provided
the person gets help. "Hopelessness
in depression is a feeling, not a fact,"
Winston says. "And people who feel
hopeless when they're depressed, they
believe they're in a hopeless situation.
But it's actually just a feeling, and
there's nothing hopeless whatsoever
about depression."

More women than men are
diagnosed with depression.

TRUE OR FALSE:

Depression can be fatal.

TRUE. Left untreated, the feelings
of hopelessness, sadness and guilt can
overwhelm a person to the point where
they don't want to live any longer. In that
case, sufferers should seek immediate
medical help. Worldwide, more than
800,000 people die because of suicide
every year, and it is the second-leading
cause of death in people ages 15 to 29.

Depression has no real treatment. Depressed people will
always be depressed.

TRUE OR FALSE:

Treating depression
is as simple as taking an
antidepressant.

FALSE. "The number of people who
just take a medication and are fixed is
relatively small," Winston says. Many
more people need a combination of
therapy and medication. And it can take
some time to figure out the right type
of medication-or combination of
medications-to feel well. n

CALL

Finding Help
The Anxiety and Depression Association of America (adaa.org)
has tools to find a therapist, support groups and other resources.
If you or someone you know is feeling suicidal, call the National
Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255.

Sources of Strength is an
evidence-based, best-practice,
teen health and wellness program.
It is designed to harness the power
of peer social networks to change
unhealthy norms and culture,
ultimately preventing suicide,
bullying and substance abuse.
The mission of Sources of
Strength is to prevent suicide by
increasing help-seeking behaviors
and promoting connections
among peers and caring adults.
This model uses multiple sources
of support that focus on eight
protective factors that teens
rely on when going through a
difficult time.
* Family support.
* Positive friends.
* Mentors.
* Healthy activities.
* Generosity.
* Spirituality.
* Medical access.
* Mental health.
Funded by a grant from the
Jess Parrish Medical Foundation
and managed by The Children's
Center, this three-year project
will reach all five North Brevard
secondary public schools:
Andrew Jackson Middle School,
Astronaut High School, James
Madison Middle School, Titusville
High School and Space Coast
Junior/Senior High School. For
information, call 321-264-0855.

W INT E R 2016

39
http://www.adaa.org
Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Vim & Vigor - Winter 2016 - Parrish Medical Center
