Do you know someone struggling with depression?

A 2022 study found that 20% of Americans suffered with depression. Additionally, the study found just over 22% of Alabamians suffered with depression. That means more than 1 in 5 people in Alabama suffered from depression in 2022. Every year, the rates of depression continue to increase both nationally and in the state of Alabama. So, the question is do you know someone who is suffering with depression? The answer is almost certainly yes as we see the stats, and you yourself may even be suffering for depression. However, only 61% of Americans in 2022 who suffered with depression got treatment. Some people put off treatment thinking their situation is not that bad, they may think that they don't need help, or they see getting treatment for mental health as a negative stigma and may never get needed treatments. Depression is no different than any other mental health disorder or any other disorder or illness; it needs to be diagnosed and treated to be able to overcome or help the disorder. Still many Americans choose to live with the debilitating effects of mental health without treatment including no quality of life, loss of interest in life, and even suicide or harming themselves.

We all know someone suffering with depression, and it may even be you who is struggling. If you know someone who is struggling with depression, what can we do to help them to have courage to get help? If you have a co-worker, friend, family member, or loved one who is struggling, no one wants them to stay in the lows they are in or even possibly harm themselves. Encouraging them that it is OK TO GET HELP is the biggest thing you can do. Knowing the options to treat depression is also important. There are several options including traditional depression medications, counseling & therapy, and non-traditional medical treatments including TMS and Ketamine. Here is a breakdown of all of these methods so you can have a basic understanding of how to help them get the help they need.

1. Traditional Depression Medications:

This is one of the most common treatments that can help depressed people. They can get prescriptions from a Psychiatrist or Family Practice Doctor. One of the downsides to this is the high level of side effects from medicines; over 38% experience at least one major side effect from depression medications. 26% of people said there was a major burden to depression medications which can be a major con for some.

2. Counseling & Therapy:

Counseling and Therapy is undertaken by certified psychologists, licensed counselors, or even sometimes local church Pastors or staff. Therapy and counseling are extremely popular options for not just depression, but also many other issues. In a 2021 survey, about 30% of Americans had gone to some sort of counseling. One major benefit to therapy & counseling is that it is completely confidential.  Some people have stigma towards going to therapy, so encouraging people it is ok to get help can be a challenge.

3. Non-Traditional Treatments: 

This can include TMS & Ketamine Therapy we offer at Sound Mind TMS & Ketamine. TMS is a magnetic simulation that does not require injections and targets the brain with magnetic pulse waves improving and curing depression for up to a year. It has no major side effects and has an almost 80% efficacy rate. TMS has better results if a person is also going to Counseling or Therapy. Ketamine also has no major side effects and is an injection that targets brain function and offers long term relief for depression. It also has a higher efficacy rate when paired with Counseling or Therapy. Many people do not know about TMS and Ketamine treatment, so it is a bit of a less common treatment for depression.

The major part of trying to get a loved one to seek one of these types of help is letting them know they are not alone; really encourage them, let them know you are there for them, and let them know you want the best for them. Be educated on these options, but also let them know the stats & the data of how many people are getting help & they can do the same thing to get there life back.