President's Message
Welcome!
The Circle of Hope for Depression Awareness is thrilled to launch our new youth depression awareness initiative. Join us in our efforts to reach 5,000 young people this year. We believe that when everyone in a community has a common understanding of depression, we will have a better opportunity to reduce the stigma and protect lives.
Teen depression is a common illness that impacts nearly 20% of young people before they reach adulthood. Depression can affect every aspect of a young person's life and impair normal functioning in school, at home and in the community. Depression is serious and is a major risk factor of teen suicide. Unfortunately, the stigma associated with the illness often prevents youth and families from getting the help they need. As a result, many victims of depression suffer alone, not aware of the support systems available to them.
When myths are broken and facts are shared about depression, stigma will be reduced, and then teens and families will become empowered to talk openly--cultivating an environment that supports mental health. When communities understand what teen depression looks like, we can create collaborative systems between parents, schools, health providers, and the community.
Early intervention can save lives. This occurs when everyone has the same depression language and understands that like any other medical conditions, depression requires professional intervention where help seeking behavior is encouraged and supported. When stigma is reduced, early identification and intervention occurs, we can manage depression and protect PRECIOUS lives.
Through our youth depression awareness initiative, the Circle of Hope promotes awareness, early identification of depression and professional intervention, as we strive to eliminate the stigma surrounding it. We believe that everyone deserves good mental health and have a right to live a healthy, happy and productive life.
Our mission is clear, in that depression is common and treatable. There is hope and help. Again, you can make a difference by joining the Circle of Hope to make this initiative a success!
Sincerely,
Vivian J. Gibson
The Problem of Depression
Depression
Depression (major depressive disorder) is a common and serious medical illness that negatively affects how you feel, the way you think and how you act.
Impacts of Depression
Depression can cause the affected person to suffer greatly and function poorly at work, at school and in the family. At its worst, depression can lead to suicide. Suicide is the second leading cause of death in 15 to 34-year-olds. Worldwide, close to 800 000 people die due to suicide every year.
(Centers for Disease Control 2016)
A Global Problem
Globally, more than 300 million people of all ages suffer from depression. Depression is the leading cause of disability worldwide, and is a major contributor to the overall global burden of disease. More women are affected by depression than men.
A National Problem
In the United States, approximately 14.8 million Americans are affected by depression every year--6.7% of the US population.
A Problem in Mississippi!
Southern US has highest rates of depression in the nation. The State of Mississippi ranks among states with highest rates of depression, 10.4% to 15.0%.
The African American Community
African Americans are 20% more likely to experience serious mental health problems than the general population due to unmet and other barriers. This is especially the case among African American men.
(HHS Office of Minority Health, 2016)
The Myths
- Mental illness is a weakness and weakness is intolerable.
- We made it through slavery. We can make it through anything.
- Just take your troubles to Jesus, not some stranger/psychiatrist.
- He was just born with a bad spirit.
- What will they think of our family?
- It 's a generational curse.
Barriers to Professional Help
- Disparity in access and treatment
- Reliance on family and social community for emotional support
- Social stigma surrounding mental condition
- Talking about anxiety and depression is considered "crazy" in their social circles
Circle of Hope Activism
Past COH engagement activities
Circle of Hope Upcoming Events
Jackson State University
Dept. of Public Policy & Administration
101 West Capitol Street, Jackson, MS
August 31, 2017
Room 210 at 6 pm
Circle of Hope Depression Awareness Luncheon
Country Club of Jackson
345 Saint Andrews Dr.
Jackson, MS 39211
Friday October 20, 2017
12:00 pm, Noon
Tickets: $50.00
Participant Testimonials
FAQs
Types of Depresssion (Under construction)
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