Struggle with depression afflicts wide swath of U.S.

April 30--Depression is the most common type of mental illness, affecting more than 26 percent of the U.S. adult population, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Estimates are that by the year 2020, depression will be the second-leading cause of disability throughout the world, trailing only ischemic heart disease, the CDC website said.

In 2014, suicide was the 10th-leading cause of death across all age groups, according to the CDC. No single cause exists for suicide, the CDC said, and depression and illness are among multiple risk factors.

Suicide also affects the health of others and the community, the CDC said, and when people die by suicide, their family and friends often experience shock, anger, guilt and depression.

James Anderson, medical director of the behavioral integration program at Bassett Healthcare in Cooperstown, said there isn't a good answer about how to speak to someone who has lost a loved one to suicide.

The approach depends on if the person is a close friend or acquaintance, when the death occurred, among other factors, said Anderson, who holds a doctorate in clinical psychology.

Expressing sympathy and asking open-ended questions may be helpful, Anderson said, as well as offering to be supportive, whether it's by listening during a conversation or being a companion while watching a movie.

"You can't fix it for somebody," he said. "Telling them you're sorry is helpful. ... Let them know you are there."

Anderson said some progress has been made recognizing and looking at depression as a chronic disease, which he said perhaps helps overcome stigma.

Bassett recently introduced behavioral integration program calls for asking a patient mental health questions in the primary care setting, such as visits to health-care providers, Anderson said. The initiative aims to reach patients who would be hesitant to go to a mental health professional, he said, and to reduce stigmas associated with mental health conditions and topics.

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