NAMI Kentucky's Major Depression Awareness Campaign

MAJOR DEPRESSION WILL AFFECT APPROXIMATELY 6% of KENTUCKIANS THIS YEAR

 LOUISVILLE, Ky. – NAMI Kentucky (The Kentucky chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness) calls on Kentuckians to take time to learn about the symptoms of major depression and to offer support to friends and loved ones who may be suffering from mental illness.

 Major depression affects more than 6 percent of the Kentucky’s adult population every year, meaning that approximately 150,000 Kentuckians will have an episode of major depression this year.  

 All age groups and all racial, ethnic and socioeconomic groups suffer from major depression; however, depression occurs twice as frequently in women. It ranks as the largest cause of disability in the developed world, and the fourth largest cause of disability in the developing world.

 Major depression goes well beyond temporarily feeling sad or blue, it involves some combination of several symptoms, including depressed mood, poor concentration, sleep disturbances, fatigue, appetite disturbances, excessive guilt and even suicidal thoughts.  

 Although major depression can be a devastating illness, it’s highly treatable. Some individuals may require long-term treatment, and more than half of those who experience a single episode of depression will continue to have episodes that occur as frequently as once or twice or a year. Without treatment the frequency as well as the severity of symptoms of depressive illness tend to increase over time.

 Many treatment options are available, and the type chosen depends on the individual and the severity and patterns of the illness. There are three well-established types of treatments: psychotherapy, antidepressant medications and electroconvulsive therapy. These treatments may be used in many combinations, and there may be some trial and error to work out a treatment plan for each individual.

 If you or someone in your family is being affected by major depression, NAMI Kentucky can help. NAMI Kentucky represents those diagnosed with mental illnesses, as well as their families and friends. 

 NAMI Kentucky is part of a nationwide network devoted to improving the lives of persons with serious mentally illness and to decreasing the prevailing stigma associated with mental illness. NAMI’s primary focus is to provide support, education and advocacy. NAMI Kentucky represents more than 1,100 members/households and has 21 affiliates plus newly forming affiliates throughout the state. Please call (800) 257-5081 or visit KY.NAMI.org if you would like more information about mental illness in Kentucky. This public awareness campaign is made possible, in part, with the support of Eli Lilly and Company.