HOW TO RECOGNIZE IT AND WHAT TO DO ABOUT IT

What is depression?

Depression is an illness that affects your body, your thoughts, your emotions, and your behavior. Depression has been called the "common cold" of mental illness. It may show itself as feeling sad or blue, but it usually comes with some other symptoms as well. Clinical depression is not the same as a passing bad mood, nor is it the same as grief after a loss. We all experience feeling "down" or grieving from time to time. However, when a depressed mood continues for more than a couple of weeks, it may be a symptom of clinical depression, which is a serious but treatable medical illness. Under NO circumstances should Depression be considered a natural result of getting older!! How do I know if I'm depressed?

You may not feel sad or depressed, but if you or someone you know is experiencing several of the following, consider a medical evaluation for depression.

Thoughts of suicide, or wishing for death
Feeling sad or blue, most of the time, for two weeks or more
Low energy, including not wanting to get out of bed, get dressed, or do your normal daily activities
Fatigue, or feeling slowed down
Loss of interest in things that used to give you pleasure
Isolation from other people, including family and friends
Confusion, memory problems, and inability to concentrate
Feelings of guilt about past actions, or a sense of being punished
Sleep problems, including sleeping too little or too much
Unexplained loss or gain of weight
Appetite problems, including eating too little or too much
Decreased interest in sexual activity
Problems making decisions
Excessive crying
Aches and pains that don't respond to treatment
Irritability
Excessive worrying

If any of these symptoms appear, you should know that help is effective AND available! Start by speaking to your family physician.

Lloyd G. Wertz, M.S. Program Director

Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center, Senior Behavioral Health Unit