(CONTRIBUTED)

MADISON – A mental health professional will visit Madison Public Library and discuss a concern that affects one out of every 10 people.

Marie Hodges from Huntsville Hospital will present the session, “Understanding Depression,” on April 28 at noon. Hodges plans to outline symptoms of depression and options for treatment.

She will explain the differences between just having ‘the blues’ and clinical depression. The public is welcome to attend this free session.

“My role at Huntsville Hospital Health System includes providing mental health counseling for our employees,” Hodges said. “Huntsville Hospital provides short-term inpatient behavioral health treatment for significant mental disorders, including severe depression.”

“A clinical depression not only affects our mood but also bodily functions such as appetite, sleep and energy level. (The condition) lasts for a persistent amount of time,” she said.

Much less serious, the ‘blues’ is a “temporary, and normal, reaction to a life situation but doesn’t persist, nor does it affect our ability to function,” Hodges said. The ‘blues’ “will likely resolve itself, while depression may need additional mental health treatment.”

Mental conditions can become worse with extreme stress but can improve with supportive friends and family, Hodges said.

Depression affects more than 15 million Americans every year. “This talk will present useful facts for the audience and encourage anyone with depression to seek assistance,” she said.

This session is the latest installment in the “Health Matters” program, a collaboration between Madison Public Library and Huntsville Hospital.

For more information, call Hodges at 256-265-2600 or send email to marie.hodges@hhsys.org.

Madison Public Library’s address is 130 Plaza Blvd. To contact the library, call 256-461-0046, email to ssledge@hmcpl.org or visit hmcpl.org/madison.