According to The Growing Economic Burden Of Depression In The US, depression costs society $210 billion a year in America. The sad part, per the article, is that only about 40 percent of that money goes toward treating depression itself. The rest of the money goes toward treating things related to depression such as anxiety and physical illnesses that come about because of the root problem of depression. This amount seems to be kind of the tip of the iceberg as well since many still resist seeking treatment, others don’t realize that they need care, some believe that treatment will not work for them and effective treatment takes time.
While the financial costs are plain to see (and some estimate that these estimates could be doubled or tripled), there are other costs that are not seen as readily. Emotional costs to families where there is a husband, wife or even child dealing with depression cannot be overstated. Lack of engagement, lack of joy and fulfillment when it comes to family activities are a huge burden on families. Depression has an enormous impact on how children grow and develop in families that are dealing with depressed individuals. Some choose to self-medicate with drugs or alcohol to make it through their day and this alone can be devastating often leading to neglect and abusive behavior. As much as the financial costs are a burden, I think the human cost is much greater in terms of lives that are simply not “lived” and perpetuation of the problem.
If you have read some of my posts, you know this is a personal issue for me. I suffered with depression until I finally got the help I needed with acupuncture being the key factor in my healing process. So how can acupuncture help? If you read my post Acupuncture and Depression you know that it was demonstrated in a recent study that acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine were as effective as antidepressant medications. Depression is not something new. People have been dealing with it for thousands of years and Chinese medicine has been effectively treating it for thousands of years as well. And the costs? Pennies when compared to conventional treatments. Get the help you need today. Reach out, we offer in person or phone consultations (see below to book one) and we can tell you what we can do to help before you commit anything.
Princeton Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine
Our patients know just how effective treatments are for these and a host of other problems. Steven Hoffman, a New Jersey Licensed Acupuncturist and Diplomate in Oriental Medicine, will provide you with a thorough intake and evaluation and a clear, comprehensive diagnosis and treatment plan that will insure that your goals are met or exceeded. Do you want to move past these or other problems? We will help you thrive not just survive!