Understanding Depression:

Depression is not just a temporary mood, and it's not a sign of personal weakness. People with depression can experience a variety of emotional and physical symptoms. For some people, it's a matter of feeling sad, overwhelmed, or stressed out. For others, aches, pains, fatigue, and other physical problems are part of their depression too.

Many researchers believe depression is caused by an imbalance of two naturally-occurring chemicals -- serotonin and norepinephrine -- in the brain and the body. In the brain, these two chemicals are thought to be associated with mood. These same chemicals are thought to be associated with regulating and reducing feelings of pain that come from the body. If these chemicals are out of balance, the effect can be felt in both the brain and body. You can feel both the emotional and painful physical symptoms of depression.

Symptoms of Depression:

One of the most recognized symptoms of depression is a profound feeling of sadness, hopelessness, or emptiness. People with depression often experience physical symptoms too. In general, if you've been experiencing some combination of the following emotional or physical symptoms for more than two weeks, and it clearly interferes with your life, discuss your concerns with your doctor:

Emotional

Sadness throughout the day, every day

Loss of interest or enjoyment in your favorite activities

Feelings of emptiness or hopelessness

Feeling stressed, nervous or overwhelmed

Difficulty concentrating or making decisions

Feelings of worthlessness

Excessive or inappropriate feelings of guilt

Irritability or restlessness

Thoughts of death or suicide

Physical

Fatigue, or lack of energy

Sleeping too much or too little

Change in appetite or weight

Aches and pains

Headaches

Back pain

Digestive disorders

Dizziness

Self-Help Article for Depression

How Family & Friends Can Help the Depressed Person

Losing It?

If you feel an immediate desire to harm yourself or another individual, you should seek immediate help in-person. Call 911 and request help.

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Self Help

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