Why talk about depression?  

Clinical depression is a common, treatable mental illness that affects more than 19 million people in America. It can have biological cause, be the result of a life event, (birth of a child, death of a loved one, divorce, etc.), be caused by medication, co-occur along with a physical illness, or have no definable cause. 

It is an illness that can affect anyone. Diagnosis often include; Major Depression, Bi-Polar Disorder, and Dysthymia.  

Signs of depression? 

• Depression causes people to lose pleasure from daily life, can complicate other medical conditions, and can even be serious enough to lead to suicide.
• Depression can occur to anyone, at any age, and to people of any race or ethnic group.  Depression is never a “normal” part of life, no matter what your age, gender or health situation. 

The Good News Is:  

Depression can be treated with anti-depressant  medication, and/or psychotherapy. If you think you are at risk for depression, ask your physician, contact your local community mental health provider, or click here for a screening, or find a depression screening day site in your community: http://www.mentalhealthscreening.org.

Depression Symptoms:

• Persistent sad, anxious or “empty” mood

• Sleeping too much or too little, middle of the night or early morning waking
• Reduced appetite and weight loss, or increased appetite and weight gain
• Loss of pleasure and interest in activities once enjoyed, including sex
• Restlessness, irritability
• Persistent physical symptoms that do not respond to treatment (such as chronic pain or digestive disorders)
• Difficulty concentrating, remembering or making decisions
• Fatigue or loss of energy
• Feeling guilty, hopeless or worthless
• Thoughts of suicide or death

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If you have five or more of these symptoms for two weeks or more, you could have clinical depression and should see your doctor or a qualified mental health professional for help.