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What is Depression? |
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Depression is not something you can just "snap out of." It's caused by an imbalance of brain chemicals, along with other factors. The symptoms vary from person to person. Many people feel like they have no energy and can't concentrate. Others feel irritable all the time for no apparent reason. But if you feel "down" for more than two weeks, and these feelings are interfering with your daily life, you may be clinically depressed.
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What are some of the symptoms of depression?
The signs are many and vary from individual to individual. Some of them are: |
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Persistent sad, anxious, or "empty" mood.
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Feelings of hopelessness, pessimism.
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Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, helplessness.
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Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities that were once enjoyed, including sex.
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Decreased energy, fatigue, being "slowed down".
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Difficulty concentrating, remembering, making decisions.
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Insomnia, early-morning awakening, or oversleeping.
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Appetite and/or weight loss or overeating and weight gain.
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Thoughts of death or suicide; suicide attempts.
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Restlessness, irritability.
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Persistent physical symptoms that do not respond to treatment, such as headaches, digestive disorders, and chronic pain.
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Can depression be treated? |
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Depression is a treatable illness. Treating depression is especially important because it affects you, your family, and your work. Some people with depression try to harm themselves in the mistaken belief that how they are feeling will never change. As with any medical illness or condition, only your doctor or other qualified healthcare professional can provide a diagnosis of depression. With the right treatment, you can keep depression from overshadowing your life.
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How to get help? |
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Please avail of our 24 Hour Hot Line Number (888) 664-8624. If you know someone who needs help, please encourage them to call us. Please assure them that the calls will be followed up promptly and that our professional case workers will counsel them in a strictly confidential manner, providing guidance and referrals as needed.
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