What is depression:
Depression is more than just
feeling sad, feeling blue, or having a few down days. Depression is a
mental health condition that can seriously impact your work, home life,
relationships, daily functioning, and other areas of your life.
Serious depression can not only affect your mental health but can also
affect your physical health. Depression is treatable with the right
type of support and interventions.
How do I know if I have depression:
Often, depression can be overlooked and unnoticed, especially by the
person who is experiencing depression as well as by family and friends.
It's not uncommon for someone who is depressed, or for their family
and friends, to attribute depression behavior to lack of motivation, having
a bad day, laziness, or not caring. Unfortunately, when depression goes
unidentified or overlooked, this can prolong the person's suffering and
delay the healing process.
Signs and symptoms of depression
usually last 2 weeks or longer and can include:
- depressed mood
- loss of motivation
- lack of interest in things that used to bring pleasure
- hopelessness
- difficulty concentrating or focusing
- guilt
- changes in sleep (too much or inability to sleep)
- changes in appetite (loss of appetite or increased appetite)
- thoughts about death/dying, and/or suicidal thoughts
**For some, depression symptoms may also include agitation, anger,
disruptive behavior, and/or emotional numbing/disconnection (appearing to
not care about things/others).
Seeking help for depression symptoms:
If you have
concerns or questions about whether you or a loved one is experiencing
depression, talk to an experienced professional. An experienced
professional can help evaluate and determine possible causes of emotional or
behavioral changes or disturbances and direct you to the resources and
supports available. ;
Depression is treatable...you don't
have to suffer in silence or alone.
