Segal Trials

Our focus for 2023 is to raise mental health awareness and to keep a stream of constant communication flowing. 

Raising mental health awareness is an important social issue that needs to be addressed. Conversations encourage people to talk about mental health issues and to know it's completely normal to seek help - if needed. Mental health awareness also helps to reduce the stigma associated with seeking mental health services. When we talk about mental health, we create an environment where people feel safe and supported to talk about their mental health, allowing easier access to services and a better understanding of the needs of individuals experiencing mental health issues.

Major depressive disorder (MDD) or Depression is often described as having a loss of interest in daily activities and feeling hopeless. As discussed in our previous blog with Dr. Kakar, A Board Certified Psychiatrist Shares Surprising Facts About Depression, while those are common symptoms, depression varies by every individual. Depression varies by treatments, triggers, and the impact of MDD on a person’s life. In this blog, we’re unpacking those differences and sharing patients’ insights on clinical trials. 

Depression is often thought of as feeling sad. While sadness is a symptom, depression is more complex than people may realize. In an interview with Segal Trials’ Chief Scientific Officer and Medical Director, Dr. Rishi Kakar, MD unpacked the interconnected causes, symptoms, and treatments of depression. In brief, “When you know someone with depression, you only know one depression,” Dr. Kakar stated. Below are the top facts and statistics Dr. Kakar shared about depression that may surprise you.