Depression

“I’m depressed.”  If it seems like we hear that a lot, there’s a reason: depression is one of the most common illnesses a person can have.  Like a cold, it seems everyone has it at one time or another.  Depression can occur after something bad happens, in response to a difficulty, such as abuse or a learning problem, as part of being addicted to alcohol or other drugs, and for a very small number of people, from a random change in body chemistry.

What makes depression different from occasional sadness and upset is that there are usually more than just a couple of symptoms, they are powerful, and they last for a while.  Depression symptoms include feeling intensely sad, being angry a lot, having trouble concentrating, not doing what you usually like to do, feeling tired without much energy, eating and sleeping too much or too little, feeling really worthless, hopeless, or guilty, and having thoughts of hurting or killing yourself.

All of us have experienced symptoms like these at some time in our lives, but if you have four or more of them most days for at least the past two weeks, you may be suffering from depression. 

Fortunately,  depression is one of the most treatable illnesses you can have.  For most people, a brief course of psychotherapy will help you get back to feeling positive again, and for some, medication also may be needed, at least at first, to help relieve some of the symptoms you are experiencing.

To get started, just talk to a staff member or come to the Wellness Center and request an appointment with Mental Health.  The important thing is not to wait, especially if you have been having thoughts of suicide and also are using drugs and/or alcohol. 

Want to learn more about depression?  Click on the links below to go to websites with good information about depression and how to deal with it.

How Psychotherapy Helps People Recover From Depression

Depression

Exercise Eases Symptoms of Anxiety and Depression

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