Dr Oz: PHQ-9 Test, Talk About Depression + Suicide Prevention Lifeline

Dr Oz: RIP Robin Williams

Dr Oz called Robin Williams one of the world’s funniest men. The talented entertainer’s passing has put focus on Depression and Suicide.

Daughter Zelda released a statement on social media remembering her father, recalling that “he was always warm, even in his darkest moments.” Despite his effusive public personality, he dealt with Depression throughout his life. Unlike his addiction struggles, he did not talk much about Depression in public.

Dr Oz: National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

Dr Oz said Robin Williams had Open Heart Surgery in 2009, and was diagnosed before his death with early onset Parkinson’s Disease. This combination of factors could have increased his risk of Suicide.

Williams was mourned worldwide, and his death touched a nerve among fellow Depression sufferers. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline received a one-day record 7,500 on the day after Williams died.

If you need to reach out to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, call 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) or visit suicidepreventionlifeline.org.

Dr Oz: Can Robin Williams’ Death Save Lives?

Doctor Oz said that this sad event could help to spur more of a conversation about Depression. He invited Dr Drew Pinsky to discuss this on the set. Dr Pinsky said that psychiatric disorders are easy to mask, and wished people wouldn’t feel such a stigma or be obligated to cover them up.

Depression is the most common mental illness, and 2/3 of people who have it do not get treatment. Events such as Stress and Trauma can set it off. Dr Pinsky said that we need to stop talking about mental illness as “demons” and focus on medical solutions.

Dr Oz: Who Is Likely To Suffer from Depression?

Dr Pinsky said that women in particular are more likely to hide their Depression. They are twice as likely as men to suffer from it. Who else is at risk? Adults between age 45 and 65, as well as those with a family history, should be aware that they could experience Depression.

Dr Oz wondered whether Robin Williams’ death could have been prevented. Dr Drew was confident that it could have been, explaining that Depression is like any other emotion: “it passes,” though it can come back.

Williams had a variety of other factors increasing his risk, such as Heart Disease, middle age, chronic Depression, and addiction.

Dr Oz: PHQ-9 Screening & How To Talk About Depression

How can you help someone in your life if you think she or he could have Depression? Dr Drew said that you should not avoid the topic if you think something’s wrong. Speak up out of caring and concern. He suggested using humor and “wonderment” to encourage the other person to open up.

According to Dr Oz, “80% of questions are statements in disguise.” Dr Drew said it is hard to be mad at someone who says they care about you. You can also use a screening self-test, PHQ-9, to evaluate your risk. Dr Drew asked everyone to promise him that they would seek help if they rated a score of 15 or higher.

It is also possible that an undiagnosed medical condition could be responsible for Depression. If that is ruled out, Dr Drew said that a combination of medication and talk therapy is usually the most effective for patients.