Hi Dr. Burns and class,
I concur with you; mental health is very challenging in our society. The words used to describe mental illness have been a source of social and political debate. Historically, words and labels assigned to people with mental illnesses have been a source of discrimination and stigma. For example, the words crazy, insane, and deranged conjure images of violence, fear, and intellectual inadequacy. Others, such as nuts, crackers, or flake, appear to trivialize or even minimize the impact of mental illness (Nies, M. A., & McEwen, M., 2007).
The stigma and discrimination many people diagnosed with mental illness experience are unfounded and based on faulty assumptions and misinformation. People diagnosed with mental illnesses are neighbors, colleagues, and family members. Most people diagnosed with mental illnesses are productive members of the community and have meaningful lives (Nies, M. A., & McEwen, M. 2007).
Depression is the most frequently diagnosed mental illness in the United States and one of the leading causes of disability. In 2004, more than 17 million adults experienced at least one major depression episode (Nies, M. A., & McEwen, M. 2007). In addition, depression is often a complication of serious physical disorders such as a heart attack, stroke, diabetes, and cancer. It is estimate that 25% of all women and 12% of all men will suffer at least one episode or occurrence of depression during their lifetime, and approximately 3% to 5% of teenagers experience clinical depression each year (Nies, M. A., & McEwen, M. 2007). Most people (almost two thirds) with a depressive illness do not seek treatment, although most, even those with the most severe disorders, can be helped. The most prevalent types of depression are ether following: * Major Depression: Manifested by a combination of symptoms that interferes with