Piedmont Mountainside Hospital Presents Dessert and Discussion with Carl D. McCurdy, M.D.: "What to Do When Bad Things Happen"

JASPER, GA (Aug. 1, 2007) - A depressive disorder is an illness that involves the body, mood and thoughts. It affects the way a person eats and sleeps, the way one feels about oneself, and the way one thinks about things.  According to the National Institute of Mental Health, in any given one-year period, 9.5 percent of the population, or about 20.9 million American adults, suffer from a depressive illness.  Depressive illnesses often interfere with normal functioning and cause pain and suffering not only to those who have a disorder, but also to those who care about them.

Piedmont Mountainside Hospital will host a presentation highlighting coping mechanisms for grief, depression and addiction as part of its monthly "Dessert and Discussion" series.  Carl D. McCurdy, M.D., will lead the discussion "What to Do When Bad Things Happen" on Thursday, August 16, at 7 p.m. in the hospital's Education Room.  Dr. McCurdy, a member of Piedmont Physicians at Pickens, will discuss methods of dealing with depressive disorders and how to recognize the symptoms.  Dessert will be served at 6:30 p.m.  Please call toll-free 1-866-900-4321 for reservations.

"It's important for patients to understand the difference between clinical depression and a passing blue mood," Dr. McCurdy said. "Most people with a depressive illness do not seek treatment, although the great majority can be helped."

Some types of depression run in families, suggesting that a biological vulnerability can be inherited.  In some families, major depression seems to occur generation after generation. However, it can also occur in people who have no family history of depression. Whether inherited or not, major depressive disorder is often associated with changes in brain structures or brain function.  In recent years, researchers have shown that physical changes in the body can be accompanied by mental changes as well.

Dr. McCurdy recently celebrated his 25th year of providing healthcare services to the Jasper community.  He received his medical degree from the University of Alabama School of Medicine. 

To learn more about Piedmont Mountainside Hospital, please call 706-301-5300.