Depression

Publications

1.   Frequently Asked Questions — Depression During and After Pregnancy — This publication discusses depression during and after pregnancy, what might cause it, symptoms you may experience, and how it is treated. It also explains how untreated depression can negatively affect your life.

   http://www.womenshealth.gov/faq/postpartum.htm

2.   Frequently Asked Questions — Depression — This fact sheet offers information on depression, its symptoms and causes, how it is treated, and where to get help.

   http://www.womenshealth.gov/faq/depression.cfm

3.   Age Page: Depression — This fact sheet explains the signs and symptoms of clinical depression and provides information on prevention and getting help.

   http://www.nia.nih.gov/HealthInformation/Publications/depression.htm

4.   Depression During and After Pregnancy: A Resource for Women, Their Families, and Friends — This booklet provides information on depression during or after pregnancy, addressing a broad range of physical and emotional struggles faced by pregnant and postpartum women and their families. The booklet focuses on the possible causes of perinatal depression; the differences between “baby blues”, perinatal depression, and postpartum psychosis; and how to identify perinatal depression, what to do, and how it can affect your baby and your family. This booklet includes resources on where to get help and advice for fathers, families, and friends.

   http://www.mchb.hrsa.gov/pregnancyandbeyond/depression/

5.   Mental Health Services Locator — This Internet site will help you locate mental health treatment facilities and support services in your state.

   http://mentalhealth.samhsa.gov/databases/default.asp

6.   Mood Disorders — This fact sheet provides information about 2 of the most common mood disorders: depression and bipolar disorder.

   http://mentalhealth.samhsa.gov/publications/allpubs/ken98-0049/default.asp

7.   St. John's Wort and Depression — This fact sheet has information about St. John's Wort, a popular herb being used by the public today to treat mild depression. This publication includes information on the FDA's role to monitor the use of this herb, how St. John's Wort works, how it is used to treat depression, and a drug interaction advisory.

   http://nccam.nih.gov/health/stjohnswort/sjw-and-depression.htm

8.   Traditional Therapies — This fact sheet gives a brief description of the variety of approaches mental health professionals use to give people new tools to deal with ingrained, troublesome patterns of behavior and to help them manage symptoms of mental illness.

   http://www.mentalhealth.org/publications/allpubs/ken98-0053/default.asp

9.     Women and Depression: Discovering Hope — This brochure explains the different types of depression and mania, and their causes, symptoms, and treatment. It specifically addresses the unique aspects of depression in women in relation to adolescence, relationships, reproductive lifecycle, cultural considerations, victimization, poverty, and aging.

   http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/women-and-depression-discovering-hope/depression-what-every-wom...

10. Antidepressants: What You Need to Know About Depression Medication (Copyright © HelpGuide.org) — This publication describes how antidepressants work, including information about effectiveness and withdrawal. It lists the different types of antidepressants available and also describes the available treatment alternatives.

    http://www.helpguide.org/mental/medications_depression.htm

11.   Depression and Women's Health: Depression Through the Ages & Stages of a Woman's Life (Copyright © Eli Lilly and Company) — This guide discusses the different life stages and situations that could trigger depression. Special emphasis is placed on the changing role of supportive networks, as well as tips for each stage of life. Key chapters include young women and depression (20s-early 40s), the menopause transition (mid-40s-50s), and older women and depression (60-69).

    http://www.healthywomen.org/Documents/agesandstages_depression.pdf

12. Depression in Women (Copyright © MHA) — This fact sheet provides statistical information comparing the experience of depression in women versus men. It informs women on the causes and symptoms of depression and where to seek help.

    http://mentalhealthamerica.net/index.cfm?objectid=C7DF952E-1372-4D20-C8A3DDCD5459D07B...

13.   Late-Life Depression (Copyright © NARSAD) — Depression can occur at any age, but symptoms in older persons often go overlooked and unchecked. This fact sheet describes the causes, symptoms, and treatments of late-life depression.

    http://www.narsad.org/dc/pdf/facts.latelifedep.pdf

14. Signs and Symptoms of Mood Disorders (Copyright © Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance) — If you think you might have depression or bipolar disorder, this fact sheet will help guide you through the first steps of the diagnosis process. If you experience the symptoms listed here, you may want to talk with your doctor about depression or bipolar disorder.

    http://www.dbsalliance.org/site/PageServer?pagename=Signs_symptoms

Organizations

1.   National Institute of Mental Health, NIH, HHS
2.   National Institute on Aging, NIH, HHS
3.   National Mental Health Consumers' Self-Help Clearinghouse
4.   National Mental Health Information Center, SAMHSA, HHS
5. American Psychological Association
6. Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance
7. Family Mental Health Institute
8. Freedom From Fear
9. National Alliance for Research on Schizophrenia and Depression
10. National Alliance on Mental Illness
11. Postpartum Support International
12. PPD Moms

= Indicates Federal Resources