Depression

Depression is a common mental health condition that negatively affects how you think, feel, and act. It causes persistent feelings of sadness or a loss of pleasure or interest in activities you once enjoyed. Depression can also cause changes in sleeping and eating patterns, decreased energy, agitation, feelings of worthlessness, difficulty with concentration and memory, and thoughts of suicide. Treating depression often requires more than one modality and can include medication, psychotherapy, and lifestyle habits like exercise, eating a healthy diet, avoiding alcohol, and prioritizing quality sleep.

Common Questions & Answers

How do you know if you are depressed?

You might be depressed if you have consistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or emptiness. Other signs of depression can include irritability, a lack of pleasure from things you once enjoyed, sleep and appetite disturbances, and suicidal thoughts.

Coping skills for depression include practicing meditation and relaxation techniques, getting regular physical activity, avoiding alcohol and drugs, staying connected to your social network, eating a healthy diet, and doing activities that bring you a sense of pleasure or accomplishment.

Major triggers of depression include stressful life events like the loss of a job, a relationship breakdown, a financial hardship, a major illness or injury, the death of a loved one, loneliness, low self-esteem, giving birth, and alcohol or drug misuse.

With appropriate diagnosis and treatment, most people with depression can go on to live healthy, fulfilling lives.

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Resources
  1. What Is Depression? American Psychiatric Association. April 2024.

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