During the month of October, health care professionals will work to raise awareness for depression and mood and anxiety disorders. South Central Behavioral Health Services will offer complimentary depression screenings and education for the community during the month of October.
 
Depression is one of the most common mental conditions that affects more than 19 million Americans each year.
 
Amy Adelman, Licensed Professional Counselor at South Central Behavioral Health Clinic in Laurel, states, “Depression causes people to lose pleasure in their daily life, can complicate other medical conditions and can lead to suicide. It is important to remember that depression can occur to anyone, at any age. Because depression is so common, some individuals believe it is a part of life and they do not seek treatment. Fewer than half of those suffering from depression seek treatment. Too many people resist treatment because they believe depression isn't serious, that they can treat it themselves or that it is a personal weakness rather than a serious illness.”
 
“Clinical depression is a very treatable condition. Over 80 percent of those who seek treatment show improvement,” says Arvinder Kaul, M.D., Psychiatrist at South Central Behavioral Health Clinic. “The most commonly used treatments are antidepressant medications, psychotherapy or a combination of the two. The choice of treatment depends on the pattern, severity, persistence of depressive symptoms and the history of the illness. As with many illnesses, early treatment is more effective and helps prevent the likelihood of serious recurrences, so it is important to know the signs and symptoms of the illness.”
 
Signs of Depression:
Persistently sad, anxious or has an "empty" mood
Sleeping too much or too little
Losing interest in activities that were once enjoyed
Restless or irritable
Complaining with chronic pain or digestive disorders
Having difficulty concentrating, remembering things and making decisions
Fatigued and loss of energy
Feeling guilty, hopeless or worthless
 
South Central Behavioral Health Services welcomes the community to attend a free session, Help and Hope: Lunch and Learn, on Wednesday, October 10th from 12 p.m. (noon) until 12:45 p.m. Dr. Kaul and Amy Adelman, LPC invite participants to stop by the South Central Dining Room, pick up lunch and meet in Conference Room A. This luncheon will provide guests the opportunity to learn more about depression and treatment options.
 
Free depression screenings will be offered on Thursday, October 11th at Progressions, located at 30 Circle J Drive (off HWY 15) in Laurel from 2 p.m. until 4:30 p.m. On Friday, October 12th screenings will be provided at South Central Regional Medical Center in Laurel from 11 a.m. until 12:45 p.m. and in the Student Success Center at Jones County Junior College in Ellisville from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. The screenings include Major Depressive Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and Bipolar Personality Disorder. 
 
The health care providers at South Central Behavioral Health Care Services in Laurel have a team of physicians and the other behavioral health professionals that specialize in the treatment of depression and other mental healthcare needs for inpatient and outpatient services. 
 
To learn more about depression or South Central Behavioral Health Services, please call 601-426-9614 or 601-425-3979.

Arvinder Kaul, M.D., Psychiatrist at South Central Behavioral Health Clinic (left) and Amy Adelman, Licensed Professional Counselor (right) will provide complimentary Lunch and Learn on depression.

Author:Becky Collins

Category:News

Tags:Behavioral Health, Wellness, Depression