Depression
It's Not Just in Your Head
Everyone, at various times in life, feels sad. This is normal. Sometimes sadness is due to things that happens in your life: you lose your job or a loved one dies. But what's the difference between "normal" feeling of sadness and the feelings caused by depression?
How to Recognize Depression
Depression is not a character flaw or sign of personal weakness. You can't make yourself well by trying to "snap out of it" or "lighten up". And you can't catch it from someone else, although it can run in families. To understand what depresson it, it's important to recognize the symptons:
Prolonged sadness or unexplained crying spells
Significant changes in appetite and sleep patterns
Irritability, anger, agitation
Worry, anxiety
Pessimism, indifference
Loss of energy, persistent lethargy
Unexplained aches and pains
Feelings of guilt, worthlessness and/or hopelessness
Inability to concentrate, indecisiveness
Inability to take pleasure in former interests, social withdrawal
Excessive consumpution of alcohol or use of chemical substances
Recurring thoughts of death or suicide
If you or someone you know has thoughts of death or suicide, contact a medical professional, clergy, loved one or friend immediately. For help in a crisis, call the National Hopeline Network at (800) 442-HOPE.