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Silent Killer

From my heart...
Being a mental health professional I hear people talk about depression and mental illness all day everyday. I read the statistics and reports about the "system" failing individuals quite frequently, But, when tragedy hits close to home it can be a LOUD  wake-up call! It's hard for me to understand the fact that mental illness is still a taboo thing. I personally don't understand why it's not a more discussed topic, why there aren't enough resources and access to treatment. Here in the US we have option after option for physical healthcare. If you don't like a physician for whatever reason all you have to do is walk across the hall or drive across the street and there are at least 10 more for the choosing. Why aren't there just as many easy options for mental healthcare treatment? 
These day there is a checklist for "warning signs" for every ailment out there and I want to be sure that depression warning signs are top of mind as well 

Are you depressed?

If you identify with several of the following signs and symptoms—especially the first two—and they just won’t go away, you may be suffering from depression.

  • you feel hopeless and helpless
  • you’ve lost interest in friends, activities, and things you used to enjoy
  • you feel tired all the time
  • your sleep and appetite has changed
  • you can’t concentrate or find that previously easy tasks are now difficult
  • you can’t control your negative thoughts, no matter how much you try
  • you are much more irritable, short-tempered, or aggressive than usual
  • you’re consuming more alcohol than normal or engaging in other reckless behavior

It's important that we assess ourselves as well as stay aware for our friends and loved ones. Asking for help can be intimidating but it always worth it! Dr. Google it if you need to find a mental health professional in your local area. 

I believe that this is a necessary dialogue let's make sure that no one has to suffer in silence again. 
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