Depression

What is depression?

Depression is a medical illness with both emotional and physical symptoms.

Everyone feels sad at some point - it’s only natural. But what doctors call clinical depression is very different from just being “down in the dumps.” The main difference is that the sad or empty mood doesn’t go away after a couple of weeks, and everyday activities like sleeping, socializing or working can be affected.

A person with depression may also have some or all of these additional symptoms:

· feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness, or guilt

· significant change in weight or appetite

· fatigue or loss of energy

· agitation, restlessness, or irritability

· difficulty concentrating and making decisions

· thoughts of death or suicide or suicide attempts.

It’s important to recognize the signs of depression and get help from a doctor - with proper treatment, almost all people suffering from depression can get better. It is also important to remember that you are not alone. Nineteen million Americans suffer from depression.

If you think you may be suffering from depression, you can print out The Depression Guide Self-rating Scale and bring it with you to your next appointment. Your provider can go over it with you.