What is Depression?

Depression is a common and serious medical illness that negatively affects how you feel, the way you think and how you act. Fortunately, it is also treatable. Depression causes feelings of sadness and/or a loss of interest in activities once enjoyed. It can lead to a variety of emotional and physical problems and can decrease your ability to function at work and at home.

Here are some of the symptoms of depression:

• Feeling sad or having a depressed mood
• Loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed
• Changes in appetite – weight loss or gain unrelated to dieting
• Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much
• Loss of energy or increased fatigue
• Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions
• Restlessness or feeling slowed down
• Feelings of worthlessness, or guilt
• Fixation on death or suicide

If you are experiencing five or more of these symptoms for a two-week period, it is important to see a doctor or mental health professional to get a diagnosis and treatment plan.

Here are some resources that you may find helpful if you are struggling with depression:

• The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988
• The Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741