Dealing with Depression in California

California has one of the highest population of any state in the United States. Knowing this, it’s no surprise that California mental health services are in high demand. The National Alliance on Mental Illness finds just over a million adults in the state dealing with a mental illness, as of 2010. Mental health treatment in California is not up to par, as only 34 percent of these people have access to adequate treatment. This is a deadly problem, as over three thousand Californians committed suicide in 2006.

Amid this epidemic of mental health issues, it’s very important to take the problem seriously. One particularly prominent mental illness is depression, a problem affecting millions of Americans every day. Depression can hurt not just the emotional health of the patient but his or her financial, social and physical well-being. 

Symptoms of depression vary greatly among individuals, depending on the extremity of the disease and other factors. Feelings of hopelessness and helplessness are particularly common among depression patients, according to Melinda Smith, M.A. Sleeping too little or too much can further make things much worse for the patient, as can aches and pains coming and going for no obvious reason. One very common symptom is a loss of interest in activities he or she typically enjoys above all others. 

In major depressive scenarios, suicide is a risk. Recognize suicide by watching for reckless behavior and listening closely when a depressed person believes everyone would be better off without him or her. Stay especially wary when he or she talks about killing him or herself. It could require emergency attention.

Depression and its potentially deadly consequences are too much to handle alone. In this case, the California Drug Rehabilitation & Mental Health Services  is a great resource for learning about the diagnosis and treatment of depression. We provide resources for finding the help that you or a loved one need. Call us at any time to speak to a member of our team and find help.