Home Foreclosures & Depression

In the last twelve months, with more than 300,000 properties in the U.S.A having received foreclosure filings, depression has become a national epidemic. In fact, one study showed that one-third of people going through foreclosure met the screening criteria for ""major depression" and with a significant number of them being without health insurance. Major Depressive symptoms include, but are not limited to, sleep problems, loss of appetite, inability to concentrate, memory problems and aches and pains. The 'American Dream' in our country has, for many, been pride in home ownership and once realized, coupled with hope and promise for the future; however, with the realization of home foreclosure, despair and defeat can cause a lack of emotional, mental and physical well being. For those individuals who are losing their homes and feel hopelessness and humiliation, you are not alone. Find the strength to reach out to family, friends and/or to a community of professionals, including your lender, who may compassionately and/or resourcefully intervene as you search for necessary answers. The road ahead may get worse before it gets better, but as long as personal effort is being made to do something 'different', there is hope and promise for the future. No matter what, take that first step and press forward because change begins with us--one heart, one thought, one courageous step at a time."
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 24, 2010