Depression

Depression, also known as clinic depression, is a mood disorder that causes persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest in everyday life. It affects how someone thinks, feels, and act and this leads to a variety of emotional and physical problems. You may start having trouble completing daily tasks, and trouble seeing why life is worth living.

Depression can be very severe, and it isn’t anything that you can “snap out of”. It often requires long term treatment. However, most people feel better with medication, and/or therapy.

Depression may only occur once in your life, but people typically have multiple episodes. During these episodes, symptoms occur most of the day, almost every day, and may include:

• Feelings of sadness, tearfulness, emptiness, or hopelessness

• Angry outburst, irritability, frustration, often over small or inconsequential matters

• Loss of interest or joy in normal activities such as hobbies or sports

• Disturbance in sleep

• Tiredness & lack of energy, to the point where small tasks take extreme effort

• Changes in appetite & weight loss or gain

• Anxiety, agitation, or restlessness

• Slowed thinking

• Feelings of worthlessness, guilt, fixation on past failures, or self blame

• Trouble thinking, concentrating, making decisions, and memory issues

• Frequent or recurring thoughts or death, suicidal thoughts, or suicide attempts

• Unexplained physical problems, such as back pain or headaches

For many people with depression, these symptoms are usually severe enough to cause noticeable disruptions in everyday activities. Some people may feel utterly miserable or unhappy without knowing why.

If you feel depressed, make an appointment with a doctor or a mental health professional as soon as possible. If that isnt possible, talk to a friend or loved one, a faith leader, or someone else that you trust. Remember, you do not have to go through depression alone.

If you think you may hurt yourself or attempt suicide, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number.

If you have a loved one who is in danger of suicide or self harm, make sure that person isn’t alone. Call 911 or your local emergency number immediately, or transport them to your nearest healthcare facility.