Community Health Network

• Feeling depressed
• Feelings of sadness or hopelessness
• Decreased pleasure or interest in daily activities

General Information

• Depression is common, with 1 in 20 Americans getting depressed each year. Women are affected twice as often as men.
• Depression is treatable.

What are the Symptoms of Depression?

Individuals with depression have a sad mood. They often describe decreased pleasure or interest in daily activities. Sometimes individuals with depression may also have one or more of the following symptoms:

• Significant weight loss (or gain) and not dieting
• Inability to sleep (insomnia) or increased sleeping
• Agitation or mental slowness
• Loss of energy
• Feelings of guilt or worthlessness
• Diminished ability to concentrate
• Recurrent thoughts of death; suicidal ideation, gestures, or attempts
• Anxiety

Depression seems to be caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain. Stresses in life can sometimes trigger a new episode of depression or worsen existing depression. Causes can include:

• Death of a loved one
• Divorce, separation, or other relationship problems
• Loss of a job, stress from money problems
• Going off to college
• Certain medications
• Severe or long-standing medical illness

• Depression can be treated with psychiatric counseling or with medications. Sometimes both are necessary.
• Healthy living habits can improve your sense of wellbeing. Good habits for healthy living include eating healthy, getting enough sleep, and exercising regularly.

Additional Resources

1. National Hopeline Network
   • http://www.hopeline.com/
   • National crisis hotline in the U.S. for suicide intervention: 800-784-2433.
2. Center for Substance Abuse Treatment
   • http://www.samhsa.gov/
   • National referral hotline in the U.S. for substance abuse treatment: 800-662-4357
3. National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI)
   • Toll-free phone number: 800-950-6264
   • http://www.nami.org
   • "NAMI is dedicated to the eradication of mental illnesses and to the improvement of the quality of life of all whose lives are affected by these diseases... The National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI) is a network of local support groups for the mentally ill and their families..."