University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine recently conducted a survey of 250 homeowners in the Philadelphia, Pa., area who are facing foreclosure, revealing that nearly half of them showed symptoms of depression and 37 percent are majorly depressed.

In addition, almost 60 percent reported skipping/delaying meals because they couldn’t afford to eat, 48 percent said they couldn’t afford their medication and 65 percent of smokers are smoking more.

Here’s a snip from the study’s lead author, Dr. Craig E. Pollack:

“The foreclosure crisis is also a health crisis. We need to do more to ensure that if people lose their homes, they don’t also lose their health…. This study raises the stakes of the housing crisis. The policy push to get people into mortgage counseling should be combined with health outreach in order to fully help people during this tremendously difficult period in their lives.”

Perhaps the most troubling takeaway from this report is that it could be “just the tip of the iceberg” — other large cities/metropolitan areas have higher unemployment/foreclosure rates than the “City of Brotherly Love.”

So what can be done to cure this growing mental health problem?

First, do whatever it takes to avoid foreclosure. Use every resource at your disposal, including mortgage counseling agencies and local government assistance programs, to try and workout your situation. Professional foreclosure consultants can also be reached right here.

It’s free help … use it.

If it’s too late and you and/or your head of household are already down in the dumps contact your family physician. Depression is serious and should be treated as such sooner rather than later.

Finally, keep your head up.

Foreclosure is a tough pill to swallow, but over time things will eventually get better. It doesn’t discriminate, affecting all races and colors … even the rich and famous. You’re certainly not alone.