The purpose of this fact sheet is to help families who are experiencing stressful times during a disaster develop an understanding about depression: what it is, what causes it, what are the symptoms, and how is it treated? According to the National Institute of Mental Health, an estimated 18.8 million Americans suffer from a depressive illness each year. Depression does not discriminate; it affects men and women, young and old, and people of all races, cultures, and incomes. Depressive illnesses often interfere with normal functioning and cause pain and suffering not only to the individual, but also to those who are close to him/her. Depression is a real illness and carries with it a high cost in terms of relationship problems, family suffering, and lost work productivity. How- ever, it is a treatable illness.
Read the entire series on promoting health and well-being of families during difficult times.
- Supporting Families Following a Disaster
- Promoting a Family's Physical and Mental Health and Well-Being
- Understanding the Impact of Disasters on the Lives of Children and Youth
- Supporting Children and Youth Following a Disaster
- Stress Management After a Disaster
- Encouraging Family Communication After a Disaster
- Managing Conflict Following a Disaster
- Understanding Depression Following a Disaster
- Family Financial Management: Planning for the Future
- Family Financial Management: Interventions Following a Disaster