Medication and psychotherapy are utilized in treating depression, but seeking help early is essential as it can worsen over time if left untreated. Johnson Behavioral Health Group (JBHG) made it its mission to increase awareness of the early stages of depression in hopes of avoiding undiagnosed and untreated depression.
On August 12, 2022, Johnson Behavioral Health Group’s CEO, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Abigail Johnson, was interviewed by two television stations, KTBS 3 and KSLA News 12, to discuss JBHG’s Free Depression Screening for Teenage Students on August 5 to 14, 2022.
It became the impelling cause of Johnson Behavioral Health Group’s vision to give back to the community, spread awareness about the significance of mental health, and provide the youth with quality resources to help them in their struggle with depression. All of this is in preparation for the back-to-school season for teenage students.
During these interviews, Johnson stated, “I am very passionate about mental health but especially within our adolescent population. As we all know, suicide rates are rising and are currently the second leading cause of death among the ages of 16-24. If this free event brings awareness to at least one person, I will consider this a success.”
During the interviews, Johnson states suicide rates are continuously rising. In today’s society, suicide rates are alarming, for it is constantly increasing. From a medical professional’s perspective, Johnson noted that people can still prevent depression by first being aware of it, especially within the teenage population.
With this in mind, Johnson wanted to convey that depression is a mental health illness that can contribute to a low mood, a poor self-image, feelings of guilt and shame, decreased energy, mood swings, irritability, changes in appetite, disinterest in work or other activities one enjoys, and problems with sleep, appetite, and/or concentration.
The first step to treating depression is getting help from a mental health professional who has experience with the treatment of depression. Johnson reports treatment can consist of therapy, medication, or both together.
Here at Johnson Behavioral Health Group, the team is determined to assist their patients in understanding their health so they will be well informed when making healthcare decisions. After all, the vision for Johnson Behavioral Health Group is to heal, grow, and move forward together with the patients. Johnson Behavioral Health Group provides treatment for all mental health disorders by providing a thorough evaluation, lab testing, genetic testing, and medication management when needed.