Depression takes a toll, so take back some control.In any given year, one in five Americans will have a diagnosable mental health condition, and 2020 and 2021 were anything but “any given years.” Research continues to pour in showing an increase in mental health problems from the COVID-19 pandemic (and government policies resulting from it). One medical study found that depression symptoms were three times higher than before the pandemic. A separate survey conducted by the CDC and Census Bureau found that one-third of Americans now show symptoms of anxiety, depression, or both. Left untreated, depression exacts a severe toll on our communities, economy, and daily lives. In some ways, it’s as costly as heart disease or AIDS, costing over $51 billion in work absenteeism and lost productivity, and another $26 billion in direct treatment. Fortunately, new research shows there’s an easy step we can all take to help prevent …