By one estimate, 25 million Americans suffer from clinical depression, yet just 10 million currently receive treatment. Anxiety and anger, milder disorders that are readily treatable, are even more common.
The key in deciding whether to seek help is how these feelings affect your day-to-day life and how long you have experienced them. For example, are you arguing frequently with people around you? Do you regularly have trouble sleeping, or have your eating habits changed? Is it often difficult to pay attention, or to experience pleasure? Do you find yourself turning to drugs or alcohol for relief?
Generally, if your feelings are persistent -- if they have lasted two weeks or more -- and are pervasive, you should think about getting help. Many people who contact Crozer do so on their own, but others are referred by family doctors, or are put in touch with us by a relative or close friend.