Major depression is  a medical condition.  It is more than just having “the blues”.  It is not a sign of personal weakness or something to be ashamed about.  You cannot “shake if off” or “let it go”.  Depression affects a person’s mood and outlook on life. The depressed person’s mood is nearly always sad, hopeless, and usually feels a loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed. 

Unfortunately, suicide can be a real danger for a person with depression.  If the negative thoughts about themselves and their future increases, then feelings of hopelessness and worthlessness may increase the thoughts of suicide.  If you or someone you know has thoughts of suicide, please take them seriously.  Get them immediate professional help at an emergency room, crisis center, local mental health center or doctor’s office.

The symptoms of depression are as follows:

• A persistent sad mood
• Loss of interest or pleasure in most activities (anhedonia)
• Changes in appetite or weight
• Changes in sleep patterns
• Restlessness or decreased activity
• Loss of energy or feeling fatigued frequently
• Difficulty in concentrating or making decisions
• Feelings of worthlessness or inappropriate guilt
• Repeated thoughts of death or suicide

When 5 or more of these symptoms are present and have lasted for at least 2 weeks, a person is experiencing a major depressive episode.  If you or someone you love is suffering with depression, it is very important to talk to a healthcare professional.

We will talk more about the treatment of depression in a subsequent posting.