What is Depression?
Clinical depression is a common, yet serious, illness that affects more than 19 million Americans each year. Unfortunately, only one-third of sufferers seeks treatment, even though the illness can be effectively treated in 80 percent of all cases. Although depression is a real medical illness, many people still mistakenly believe it is a personal weakness.
The symptoms of depression can include:
• A persistent sad feeling
• Loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed
• Sleeping too little or too much (especially with early-morning waking)
• Reduced appetite and weight loss, or increased appetite and weight gain
• Restlessness or irritability
• Persistent physical symptoms that don't respond to treatment
• Difficulty concentrating, remembering or making decisions
• Fatigue or loss of energy
• Feelings of guilt, hopelessness or worthlessness
• Thoughts of death or suicide
If you have five or more of these symptoms for more than two weeks, you may be suffering from depression and should seek further evaluation.
You can test yourself with this simple and anonymous screening, or call your doctor.
