Depression has become a large cause for public health concern. By 2020, the Centers for Disease Control estimates depression will be the second most common cause for disability in the world (Keck School of Medicine of USC, 2020).

Public health services that have worked in reducing depression in Texas includes the Mental Health Texas program and the Prevention of Suicide in Primary Care Elderly: Collaborative Trial (PROSPECT). These programs aim to reduce depression, prevent suicide, and provide resources.

The PROSPECT program focuses on reducing the risk of depression with the elderly in Texas. The Mental Health Texas program focuses on any age individual who suffers from mental health issues in Texas. Both programs have successfully helped in reducing the rate of depression in their target populations. Both programs helped in reducing the risk of depression, but they didn't extend their reach. For example, low-income individuals were not included, as many were not eligible for the services provided by these programs.

Professionals are also working to increase awareness and literacy regarding depression. This is due to little awareness. According to the Journal of Adolescent Health, adolescent men are less likely to be diagnosed with depression than women, however they are four times as likely to die by suicide related to mental health crises (Townsend et al., 2019). Unawareness leading to suicide is a battle public health professionals seek to end. Through programs like PROSPECT and other sources of mental health education, this goal becomes more attainable.

It's important we break down the barriers for people suffering with depression. Seeking professional help that's practical is an important step. Many times, the simplest steps are the most successful in establishing mental health help.

We realize that sometimes, people with low-incomes can't obtain mental health help. They just don’t have the money to spend. These people are often limited by their options available to them, insecurities, and their fear of acknowledging that they need help.

For low-income people, there is online government help available with several different resources. Using online treatment has the advantage of doing it from your cellphone or computer without having to rely on transportation. Another benefit of online therapy is that you can interact with other people who suffer from the same disorder anonymously.

Mental Health America, a nonprofit community-based organization who helps people with mental illnesses, has a support group that helps people with depression. This guides them to find the necessary resources with the right group and various treatments. For example, psychotherapy, where different medications are used to treat depression. Occasionally, there are cases in which people must be admitted to a hospital. If you or someone you know suffers from a depressive disorder, they can seek help here. Don't be afraid to put yourself first and seek treatment.