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About Mental Illness

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Medications/Treatments
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2008 Affiliate President Conference Call Schedule Posted
Calls will be held from 12:00 to 1:00 PM on the Thursday prior to the Board of Directors meetings/calls.

2008 Board of Directors Meeting Schedule Posted

Family to Family Teacher calls: 2nd Wednesday of the month. If you would like to be on the call, please contact Lisa Moore at lmoore
@namitexas.org.

About Major Depression

Major depression, the leading cause of disability in US, affects more than 9 million adults in a given year. Nearly twice as many women (6.7 million) as men (3.2 million) are affected by major depressive disorder each year.

Depressive disorders come in different forms, the most common being major depression (unipolar depression). Unlike normal emotional experiences of sadness, loss or passing mood states, major depression is persistent and can significantly interfere with an individual's thoughts, behavior, mood activity and physical health.

Symptoms

Symptoms of major depression include:

profoundly sad or irritable mood
pronounced changes in sleep pattern, appetite and energy
difficulty thinking, concentrating and remembering
physical slowing or agitation
lack of interest in, or pleasure from, activities that were once enjoyed
feelings of guilt, worthlessness, hopelessness, and emptiness persistent physical symptoms that do not respond to treatment, such as headaches, digestive disorders, and chronic pain

Causes

Although major depression can bean overwhelming illness, it is highly treatable. Between 80 and 90 percent of those affected by serious depression may be effectively treated and return to their normal daily activities and feelings. May types of treatment are available, with the type chosen depending on the individual, the severity and patterns of his or her illness. There are three basic types of treatment for depression: medications, psychotherapy and electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). These treatments may be used singly or in combination. If untreated, episodes commonly last from six months to a year. Left untreated depression can lead to suicide.

Find Out More

The information available on and through the NAMITexas.org Web site is presented in summary form as a supplement to, and NOT a substitute for, the knowledge, skill, and judgment of qualified psychiatrists, psychologists, physicians and health care professionals. The information on NAMITexas.org has been obtained from sources believed to be accurate and reliable. However, NAMI makes no warranty as to the accuracy, reliability, or completeness of this information. Should you have any health, medical or disability questions or concerns, please consult a physician or other health care professional. Information accessed on or through NAMI.org is neither complete nor exhaustive and does not cover all disabilities, diseases, illnesses, and physical conditions or their management or treatment. Information accessed on and through NAMI.org is provided "AS IS" and without warranty, express or implied, including, but not limited to, any implied warranty of merchantability or of fitness for a particular purpose. View our terms of use for more information.

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