Many in Foreclosure Have Major Depression

Thirty-seven percent of people undergoing foreclosures of their homes meet the criteria of diagnosis for major depression, suggest study findings published in the most recent issue of American Journal of Public Health. That percentage is considerably higher than the National Alliance of Mental Illness report of about 5 to 8% of the general adult population has major depression.

The researchers, from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, found many interesting points. The press release says:

compared to a sample of residents in the general public, those in foreclosure were more likely to be uninsured (22% compared to 8%), though similar health problems were seen among both the insured and uninsured

nearly 60% reported that they had skipped or delayed meals because they couldn’t afford food

Those undergoing foreclosure were also more likely to have forgone filling a prescription because of the expense during the preceding year (48% vs. 15%)

9% of respondents reported that a medical condition in their family was the primary reason for the home foreclosure

more than a quarter of those surveyed said they had significant unpaid medical bills.

Symptoms of depression

Here are some of the symptoms of depression that you may experience if you are having a depressive episode:

• persistent sad or irritable mood
• inability to sleep or sleeping too much
• no appetite
• agitation, restlessness
• inability to get moving
• lack of interest in previously enjoyed activities, including sex
• thoughts of suicide or death

If you have any of these symptoms and they persist beyond a week or two – see your doctor if you’ve not already. You could be suffering from a major depression.

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