October is National Depression Awareness Month

  • Published
  • By Meredith March
  • 66 Air Base Wing Public Affairs
HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. --  In addition to being a month designated for breast cancer and domestic violence awareness, October is National Depression Awareness Month.

Depression can strike at any time and has no single cause, according to the National Institute of Mental Health Web site at www.nimh.nih.gov. Depression can be the result of a combination of genetic, biochemical, environmental and psychological factors. "Trauma, loss of a loved one, a difficult relationship, or any stressful situation may trigger a depressive episode," the site states.

Some common symptoms of depression include overeating or loss of appetite, oversleeping or insomnia, withdrawal and isolation from friends and family, low self-esteem, hopelessness, a sense of worthlessness, irritability, loss of energy, inability to enjoy life or have fun, difficulty with concentration, increase in mistakes or accidents, difficulty in reaching out and thoughts or plans about suicide.

While all of these symptoms may not occur for everyone, those who experience many of them for more than a week or two should seek help, said Ina Bachman, Licensed Independent Clinical social worker and Hanscom's Federal Occupational Health Employee Assistance specialist.

"If depression is left untreated, it can lead to suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Though depression feels insurmountable to the person who is experiencing it, it can be successfully treated, and the person can return to their full level of functioning," she said.

Servicemembers and their family members can utilize counseling services offered through the Mental Health Office, which can be reached at (781) 377-4791.

Help through MilitaryOneSource is another option for military members, spouses and dependents. MilitaryOneSource offers suicide prevention information, a helpline and free face-to-face counseling sessions. For more information visit www.militaryonesource.com or call (800) 342-9647.

Active-duty members and their dependents are also eligible to visit with the Military and Family Life Consultant for non-crisis consultations at the Airman and Family Readiness Center or an alternate location. Consultations with MFLCs, who rotate to different bases every 45 days and do not keep counseling records, are free and private. For information or for appointments with the MFLC call (781) 686-3084.

Civilians can find out more about depression by visiting the Federal Occupational Health Employee Assistance Program Web site at www.foh4you.com. Membership is not required to access the site, which contains articles on depression and other mental health issues. The FOH EAP offers free, confidential counseling services to Hanscom civilian employees and their family members. To schedule an appointment, call (800) 222-0364.