YONGSAN GARRISON, South Korea -- October is National Depression Awareness Month and in an effort to educate servicemembers, families and DoD civilians, the Army is communicating the message that depression is treatable and all should get screened and seek care if they need it.
"Clinical depression is a serious medical condition that may lead to other complicated medical conditions," said Jerry Harben, U.S. Army Medical Command. "Seeking treatment for a medical condition is not a sign of weakness."
Depression affects 14.8 million Americans with two-thirds of sufferers failing to seek needed care while 80 percent of clinical depressed people can be effectively treated with medication, psychotherapy or a combination of the two, said Harben.
With escalating suicides within the Armed Forces, the Army is committed to decreasing the stigma of seeking mental health care treatment to curb the alarming trend. Many times people don't know they are depressed and one sign they experience is withdrawal from work, friends and family.
On October 7 organizations and communities across the U.S. will observe National Depression Screening Day to bring awareness to people about its various signs and symptoms.
Soldiers have numerous places they can turn to for help. They can talk to medical professionals or go to the chaplains office.
If you are feeling depressed, please seek help. There are numerous avenues you can take to feel better.
"Depression is treatable. Soldiers need to know they are safe when they come here. When they come here, it is strictly confidential. Nothing said here leaves this room under any circumstances," said Col. Arthur Pace, Eighth Army chaplain.
Social Sharing