According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), more than 17 million U.S. adults—over 7% of the population—had at least one major depressive episode in 2018. Data from SAMHSA also shows that in 2018, 11.4% of youth, ages 12-17, had at least one major depressive episode in the past year.
Major Depressive Disorder, sometimes simply referred to as depression, is more than just feeling sad or down, or having a bad day. It is a serious mental health condition that requires assessment and treatment. Left untreated, depression can be devastating for those who have it and their families. Depression can strike individuals of all ages, and all racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds. Untreated, depression also increases an individual’s risk of premature death by suicide, which makes assessment and intervention a critical step in recovery.
Some individuals may experience only one depressive episode in the course of their life, but for many, the depressive symptoms will recur. Without treatment, episodes may last a few months to several years.
The good news is, with early detection, diagnosis and treatment recovery from depression is possible. Treatment for depression typically includes a combination of counseling, medication and healthy lifestyle changes such as making good nutritional choices, getting sufficient exercise, and improving sleep.
Symptoms
Signs and symptoms of depression vary from person to person. If someone is experiencing any of the symptoms below for more than two weeks, and the symptoms are impacting their day-to-day functioning, it may be time to reach out for support:
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Changes in sleep
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Changes in appetite
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Lack of concentration
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Loss of energy
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Lack of interest in activities
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Hopelessness, or guilty thoughts
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Changes in movement (less activity or agitation)
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Physical aches and pains
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Suicidal thoughts
Causes
Depression generally does not have a simple single cause. A depressive episode may be a result of a complex interaction between an individual’s genetics, past history with trauma, current life circumstances, alcohol or drug use, or other medical conditions.
When to Seek Help
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms above for longer than two weeks, especially if you are having thoughts of suicide, it is time to reach out for support. You can contact your primary care provider, contact us at Comprehensive Healthcare, or call our crisis lines. If you are reluctant to seek formal treatment, it is important that you talk with someone. Reach out to a friend or loved one, any health care professional, a faith or spiritual leader, or anyone else who you trust.
When to get emergency help
If you think you may hurt yourself or attempt suicide, call 911 immediately. Also consider these options if you’re having suicidal thoughts:
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Contact the Crisis Line in your community.
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Call a suicide hotline number — in the U.S., call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at (800) 273-TALK ((800) 273-8255). Use that same number, and press “1” to reach the Veterans Crisis Line.
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Text CONNECT to 741741
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Reach out to a close friend or loved one.
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Services are provided in the following locations:
Cle Elum
402 E. First #101
Cle Elum, WA 98922
(509) 674-2340
Ellensburg
707 N. Pearl Street Ste E
Ellensburg, WA 98926
(509) 925-7507
707 N. Pearl Street Ste K
Ellensburg, WA 98926
(509) 925-9861
Goldendale
112 West Main Street
Goldendale, WA 98620
(509) 773-5801
Pasco
2715 Saint Andrews Loop, Ste. C
Pasco, WA 99301
(509) 412-1051
Sunnyside
1319 Saul Road
Sunnyside, WA 98944
(509) 837-2089 Ext 2700
Walla Walla
1520 Kelly Place
Walla Walla, WA 99362
(509) 522-4000
White Salmon
432 N.E. Tohomish Street
White Salmon, WA 98672
(509) 493-3400
Yakima
402 S. 4th Avenue
Yakima, WA 98902
(509) 575-4084