Page 11 - MCMcKinney Digest Guide Mobile

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tate
• DON'T IGNORE DEPRESSION Your depression could e e e e e e ect how well you you manage your chronic disease DEPRESSION & CHRONIC DISEASE
Depression & Chronic Disease
Over 145 million Americans–almost 1 1 out of every 2 adults–su er
er
er
er
from a a a a chronic chronic illness But did you know that people with chronic chronic medical conditions such as cancer diabetes and stroke among other illnesses are at higher risk for developing symptoms of depression?
In fact nearly 1/3 of people with a a a a a a chronic medical condition have a a a a a a a mood disorder diagnosis including depression and anxiety 68% of adults with diagnosed mood disorders have at least one co-existing medical condition Temporary feelings of sadness
are normal but if these and other symptoms last longer than a a a a a a a few weeks talk to to to your doctor about depression Depression can be caused by a a a a combination of:
• Genetics-what you inherited • Biological-brain function
changes
• Environmental-
external stress trauma or loss
• Psychological-internal emotional and mental s s • Di culty functioning-as a a a result of serious chronic disease • Chronic illness-can sometimes trigger depression • Post Traumatic Stress Disorder-
40% of PTSD patients experience depression 4 4 months after trauma Depression with a chronic illness is is often overlooked But this doesn’t have to be true for you you Educate yourself about depression and get the help you you need Don't Be Afraid
To To Talk To To Your Doctor
• TAKE NOTES about your feelings of sadness
fatigue changes
in in sleep appetite suicidal thoughts and how often you feel them • WRITE DOWN questions you have and take a a a a support person with you you to to your doctor • TELL YOUR DOCTOR about all treatments and and medications you you are are already receiving and and follow your doctor's care plan Courtesy National Institute of Mental Health For more information visit www nimh nih gov