Issue: Mental Health - Depression

What is depression?
A mental state of depressed mood characterized by feelings of sadness, despair and discouragement. It can resemble grief, often including appetite and sleep disturbances, feelings of low self-esteem, guilt and self reproach; and withdrawal from interpersonal contact, poor concentration, low energy, and reduced job productivity.

Why is this issue important to the community at this time?

  • Many are undiagnosed.
  • Depression is on the increase.
  • Depression affects every aspect of a victim’s life.
  • It has both health care and economic costs.
  • Increased employee absenteeism and productivity issues.

    • What is causing this to happen?

  • National scene
  • Unstable economy; more layoffs; job insecurity
  • Underachieving students
  • Depressed parents
  • Family problems
  • Health problems
  • Grandparents raising children
  • Poverty
  • Barriers to insurance usage
  • Reduced mental health and substance abuse insurance coverage
  • Jobs under 30 hours with no benefits and easy layoffs
  • Growing population with no benefits
  • Juvenile population up 40%

    • Who is most affected by this issue?

  • All socio-economic groups
  • All ages
  • All employers

    • How is this issue being addressed in Salina and Saline County?
    The Central Kansas Mental Health Center is offering a new community education and intervention program to improve community awareness and provide screening and treatment options. Saline County Behavioral Risk Factor Survey of 2000 documents problem and influences.

    What are some of the opportunities and challenges presented by this issue?

    Opportunities: A wide range of treatment opportunities are available with financial assistance for those in need.

    Challenges:

  • Depression can be a prolonged problem
  • Employer awareness and education on mental health issues
  • Employer provided benefits
  • Service costs and access sometimes problematic
  • No residential mental health facilities available
  • Mental health cultural competency
  • Local criminal justice system mental health needs

    • Who are contact persons for community action on this issue?

  • Pat Kinnard, Central Kansas Mental Health, 785-823-6322
  • Karen Hauser, Catholic Charities, 785-825-0208
  • Sally Ledger-Schneider, Veridian Behavioral Health, Inc., 785-825-4626

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