TULSA, Okla. (AP) — The number of American youths ages 12 to 17 who experienced at least one major depressive episode in the last year reached 8.2 percent, a new report shows.
Of the nearly 2 million kids who did experience such a bout with depression, only about 39 percent received treatment, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
“It's pretty shocking stuff,” said Beverly Moore, a spokeswoman with Associated Centers for Therapy, a nonprofit community mental health center.
In Oklahoma, one in five children is struggling with mental illness or substance abuse, according to a report released by the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services in September.
The report also points out that 40 percent needing mental health and 80 percent needing substance abuse help are not receiving treatment.
“Part of it is the stigma,” Moore said. “Part of it is physical health and mental health aren't looked at on the same level. A lot of it is parents don't see the problem until it reaches a crisis.”
A major depressive episode is two weeks or longer with either a depressed mood or a loss of interest or sense of pleasure and at least four other symptoms that reflect a change in functioning, including problems with sleep, eating, energy, concentration and self-image.
Mike Brose, executive director of the Mental Health Association of Tulsa, said his agency offers screenings at schools for mental health disorders and substance abuse. The problem is only 15 to 20 percent of the parents give written permission.
“The data shows that if left untreated, mental health problems don't just spontaneously go away,” Brose said.
Left untreated, mental illness and depression can lead to self medication with alcohol and illegal substances that can turn into addiction.
“There are still a lot of people that won't seek treatment because of the stigma. It's still out there and is alive and well and kicking,” Brose said. “Through education, we have a chance to overcome that stigma.”
It can be difficult for parents to identify what could be normal adolescent behavior and when that line gets crossed and becomes something more serious.
“Parents tend to err on the side of minimizing or denial. They don't seem to err on the side of ‘What's going on? Maybe I need to talk to someone,“’ Brose said. “In our culture, it's because of the stigma or the human nature of parents not wanting to think anything is wrong with children.”
