Page 11 - MCMcKinney Digest Guide

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