You may be dealing with
Depression
Feeling sad or blue from time to time is normal, but major depression goes well beyond these temporary feelings. Depression (major depressive disorder or clinical depression) is a common but serious mood disorder that can cause severe symptoms affecting how you feel, think, and handle daily activities such as sleeping, eating, or working. Some will only experience one depressive episode in a lifetime, but for most, depressive disorder recurs. Left untreated, depression can be devastating for the person and their family. Fortunately, with early detection, diagnosis and a treatment plan consisting of medication, psychotherapy and healthy lifestyle choices, many people get better.
Depression is not uniform and signs and symptoms may be different for everyone. The severity and length of symptoms are unique to the individual and their illness. Below are the most common symptoms:
- Constant feelings of sadness, anxiety, and emptiness
- Changes in sleep, appetite and energy levels may be increased or decreased
- Lack of concentration
- Loss of energy or agitated purposeless energy
- Lack of interest in activities once enjoyed by the person
- Hopelessness or guilty thoughts
- Physical aches and pains
- Suicidal thoughts
Causes and Risk Factors
Mental illness is not your fault. There is no single cause for mental health disorders; instead, they can be caused by a mixture of biological, psychological and environmental factors. People who have a family history of mental health disorders may be more prone to developing one at some point.
Depression is one of the most common mental health disorders in the U.S. and can happen at any age, but usually begins in adulthood. Research suggests that it does not have a single cause, but a combination of genetic, biological, environmental, and psychological factors, and can be triggered by a life crisis, physical illness or something else entirely. The most common factors contributing to depression are trauma, genetics, life circumstances, brain changes, medical conditions or illness and substance abuse.
How We Help
If you or a loved one is experiencing a mental health condition like depression, YOU ARE NOT ALONE! The Center for Health Care Services can help. Our Adult Behavioral Health Division offers the following comprehensive services.
In the event of a mental health crisis including suicidal or homicidal thoughts, please call the 24-Hour Crisis & Substance Use Helpline at 800-316-9241 or 210-223-SAFE (7233). If harm to self or others is imminent, call 9-1-1.
The CHCS team helps people find hope, determine their path to wellness, and discover their way to an independent, productive life.
- Psychiatric evaluation and treatment
- Medical follow-ups and management
- Wellness counseling, education and therapy
- Integrated and primary care
- Individual and group therapy
- Psychosocial rehabilitation
- Case management
- Crisis services
- And other services to support each person’s goals for recovery
Programs
Outpatient Mental Health Services for Adults
Comprehensive mental health services to support each person’s goals for recovery, including: psychiatric evaluation and treatment, medication management, wellness counseling and education, individual and group therapy, psychiatric care, psychosocial rehabilitation, and case management offered at a variety of locations.
How to Enroll in Adult Behavioral Health Services
For more information, or to enroll in mental health services, please call (210)-261-CHCS (2427)
