Depression affects about one-quarter of the population and is a real disease.

Rhonda McNair, Licensed Clinical Social Worker at South Central Regional Medical Center, explains that “Everyone gets sad from time to time, but it’s not the same as depression.  We identify depression as someone who has trouble sleeping.  They lose interest in things that they would normally like to be doing.  They withdraw from family and friends, and don’t want to socialize very much.”  It can also include hopelessness, helplessness, and thoughts of suicide, which is one of the worst parts of depression.

The first step in dealing with depression is to realize that the person needs help.  At Rhonda’s clinic, she starts with talk therapy in order to address the problem and tailor the treatment from there.

To make an appointment at South Central Behavioral Health Services, call (601) 426-9614.