Depression is a common condition that affects emotional and psychological health. It can have a very significant impact on a person's daily life. People with depression report feeling hopeless, sad, and losing interest in activities they used to enjoy. Depression can also make a person feel empty and fatigued and affect their sleep and appetite.

If you experience depression, seek health care advice. This is a treatable condition, and a variety of therapies and medications are available to help you recover your well-being.

How Many Residents in Florida and Miami-Dade Have Depression?

In the United States, data shows that depression is a leading diagnosis of mental illness health. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, 8.4% of US adults experienced a major depressive episode in 2020. The same source shows that the percentage of women with depression was higher than the percentage of men, at 10.5% in comparison to 6.2%.

In Florida, the prevalence of depression is similar to the national average, between 2006 and 2008 approximately 3.2% of adults in the state reported episodes of major depression and 9.8% any current depression.

The city of Miami, located in Miami-Dade county in South Florida, has a slightly higher prevalence of depression than Florida state as a whole. According to data from The Health Council of South Florida's Miami Matters website, 16% of Medicare beneficiaries in Miami-Dade were treated for depression in 2019.

The collated depression statistics for 2019 indicate that despite the relatively high numbers afflicted by depression, the percentage of Medicare beneficiaries treated for the condition in Miami-Dade is falling. In 2019, 16% of Miami-Dade beneficiaries were receiving treatment for depression. By comparison, in 2013 that figure was 29.1%. The percentage then remained relatively stable with a gradual decline over time to 24.6% in 2018. However, in the following year, data comparison shows that the percentage of Miami-Dade residents receiving treatment for depression fell by 8.6%.

What Is Depression?

Symptoms of depression include persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of interest in previously enjoyable activities. Depression also causes physical symptoms such as fatigue, changes in appetite, and difficulty sleeping. Depression can have a significant impact on an individual's daily life, interfering with their ability to work, study, and participate in social activities.

Depression is not just a temporary, time-limited feeling of sadness or "the blues." It is a serious and potentially life-threatening illness that requires proper treatment.

Depression isn’t a sign of weakness or something that a sufferer can simply shrug off. Unhelpfully, but well meaning, friends and family who question the condition may tell sufferers to  “snap out of it” or to “pull themselves together.” Statements like these can be harmful as well as misinformed. Depression is a medical condition that requires professional treatment.

Some forms of depression, such as seasonal affective disorder (SAD) have symptoms that appear at certain times of the year. SAD often comes on during winter in colder climates and typically peaks in December.

What Causes Depression?

The exact causes of depression are not fully understood. However, it is thought to be the result of genetic, environmental, and psychological factors.

One factor is an imbalance of neurotransmitters such as serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain. Medical data shows that these neurotransmitters play a role in regulating mood and other brain functions, and an imbalance can lead to symptoms of depression.

Other potential causes of depression include:

• Genetics: Data suggests that depression can run in families, indicating a genetic component to the disorder.
• Life events: Stressful or traumatic events, such as bereavement or a significant life change, can trigger depression in some individuals.
• Medical conditions: Physical health issues such as thyroid disease and some medications can cause symptoms of depression.
• Personality: Certain personality traits, such as low self-esteem or a tendency to be overly self-critical, may make it more likely that an individual will develop depression.

Suicide and Depression

Most people who have depression do not die by suicide. However, without question, depression is a contributory factor. Government data suggests around 60% of individuals who commit suicide have a depressive mood disorder.

It is recognized that suicide is a significant public health concern. In 2020, 45,979 people in the United States died by suicide. The CDC reports that in 2020, 1.2 million adults attempted suicide.

Data shows that suicide was the twelfth leading cause of death in the United States in 2020. The same source reveals that there were twice as many suicides as homicides in that 12-month period. Perhaps even more worryingly, suicide was the second leading cause of death among individuals aged 10 to 14 and aged 25 to 34.

According to SAMHSA's 2016-2017 NSDUH State Prevalence Estimates 3.49% of Florida residents had serious thoughts of suicide. In Florida overall, during 2017-2019, on average, 682,000 people contemplated suicide in the previous year. in 2020 3,135 people took their own life in Florida.

How Can I Help a Family Member Suffering From Depression?

If a loved one is struggling with depression, it is important to be understanding and supportive. Here are ways you can help.

• Encourage your loved one to seek help: Depression is a treatable condition. As with any serious illness, it is vital that sufferers consult a qualified professional. Seeking help is a vital step in managing and overcoming the disorder. Encourage your loved one to make an appointment with a therapist or a doctor.
• Be a good listener: It can be helpful for your loved one to have someone to talk to about their feelings and experiences. Offer a listening ear and try to be non-judgmental and supportive.
• Offer practical assistance: Your loved one may have difficulty with daily tasks and responsibilities due to depression. Offering to help with things like grocery shopping, a lift into the city center, cooking, or cleaning can be of great benefit.
• Encourage your loved one to engage in self-care and healthy activities: Depression saps our motivation and frequently makes us want to hide away, but positive social and physical activities are known to benefit well-being. Gently encourage your loved one to exercise, socialize, eat healthily, and get enough sleep.
• Seek additional support: If your loved one is experiencing severe or worsening symptoms of depression, seek additional support urgently. You might contact a medical professional or call a crisis hotline for immediate assistance.

It is important to remember that depression is a serious medical condition that requires proper treatment. Encourage your loved one to seek help from mental health services. With appropriate support, it is possible to manage and overcome depression and lead a fulfilling and enjoyable life.

How Is Depression Treated?

Fortunately, depression is a treatable condition, and there are several effective treatment options available. The most common treatments for depression include the following.

• Therapy: Psychotherapy, or talk therapy, involves talking with a mental health professional about your feelings, thoughts, and behaviors. Several different types of therapy can be effective for treating depression, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), to identify and change negative thought patterns and interpersonal therapy (IPT), which focuses on improving relationships and communication skills.
• Medication: Antidepressant medications, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), can be effective in reducing symptoms of depression. These medications work by increasing the levels of certain neurotransmitters in the brain that are involved in regulating mood.
• Self-care strategies: Engaging in activities that promote self-care, such as exercise, healthy eating, and stress management techniques, can be helpful in managing symptoms of depression.

The treatment plan for depression will depend on the individual, their health status, and the severity of their symptoms. A psychologist, psychiatrist, counselor, or other qualified medical professionals can work with you to determine the most appropriate treatment approach based on your specific needs and circumstances.

Is Florida Good for Mental Health?

From beautiful beaches with clear blue water and white sandy shores to its warm, tropical climate, Florida has much to offer. In fact, Florida’s sunshine is very good for mental well-being. Sunlight is a source of vitamin D, which data shows can combat depression. Research has also shown that brighter weather helps cognitive function. There is no question that this is a reason why so many tourists love to visit Miami-Dade County.

However, the Florida weather is not a cure-all. Disorders such as anxiety, bipolar disorders, and schizophrenia, as well as depression, cannot be cured just with some sunshine. Psychiatric disorders can often last a long time and adversely impact the daily lives of individuals with these illnesses.

GIA Miami: Florida's Solution for Depression

GIA Miami's state-of-the-art treatment center in downtown Miami offers a modern, comfortable environment where you can recover from depression.

Our luxurious center's calm, healing surroundings will help you to relax. You can enjoy the spacious state-of-the-art classrooms, library, cafeteria, peaceful treatment rooms, massage, and acupuncture facilities.

Our compassionate care and exceptional facilities create the perfect setting to address the source of your depression and set you on the path to mental wellness. We take a cutting-edge approach to your recovery, tailoring your program to address your specific needs.

Our treatment center offers a variety of innovative, evidence-based techniques to help you overcome depression. Treatments available include transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT).

With the support of our highly trained, non-judgmental, and caring staff, you can return to a healthy, happy, and fulfilling life. Contact us today for a free consultation and rediscover your real, positive self.

Please do not hesitate to get in touch to ask a question or find out more about our work in Miami-Dade, Florida.