Depression

It’s normal to feel sad, depressed or blue on occasion. It’s a natural reaction to challenges, struggles, problems, and loss. These feelings usually pass after a few days. However, if your symptoms are intense, last for long periods of time, and interfere with your daily life, it could be a major sign for clinical depression.

Signs of Depression

• You are depressed most of the day—especially in the morning
• You feel fatigued or have loss of energy, every day
• You feel worthless, every day
• You feel hopeless, every day You feel empty, every day
• You are burdened by guilt, every day
• Your have trouble concentrating, every day
• You experience indecisiveness, every day
• You have trouble sleeping, every day
• You have lost interest in activities you used to enjoy
• You experience a significant weight change in one month
• You have recurring thoughts of death or suicide

Suicide is linked to depression. Suicide is thoughts or ideas of hurting oneself, killing oneself. When someone has a suicide plan, or makes a suicide gesture or attempt, that is an emergency that needs immediate attention—you need to call 9-1-1.

If someone you know expresses suicidal thoughts or intentions—take them seriously.

Warning signs:

• Thoughts or talk of death or suicide
• Thoughts or talk of self-harm or harm to others
• Aggressive behavior or impulsiveness
• Previous suicide attempts

Only a doctor or qualified counselor can diagnose depression. If you or a loved one shows signs of depression, talk to your doctor about your situation.

Bipolar disorder

A mood disorder that alters between clinical depression and strong feelings of hyperactivity and high mood.

Chronic depression

A long-term depressed mood, lasting two or more years.

Major depression

A depression that lasts for at least 2 weeks.

Postpartum depression

A major depression experienced by new mothers about within one month following birth that can be so severe it can endanger the child.

Psychotic depression

A depression that includes delusional thoughts, or a break from reality. Hallucinations and delusions are experienced.

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD)

A depression that occurs with change in seasons. Frequently begins in fall or winter and ends in early spring or summer. Seems to be related to the amount of daylight available (depression increases when daylight amount decreases).

Substance-induced mood disorder

A depression that occurs when a person is taking a “downer” medication, intoxicated by a drug, or withdrawing from a drug.

Depression Help for You

National Institute of Mental Health

Web MD