Depression

Phone: (267) 404-3233 email: sandy@dasupportgroup.com

Most people have felt sad or depressed at times. Feeling depressed can be a normal reaction to loss, life’s struggles, or an injured self-esteem. But when feelings of intense sadness–including feeling helpless, hopeless, and worthless–lasts for days to weeks and keep you from functioning normally, your depression may be something more than sadness. It may be clinical depression–a treatable medical condition.

Major Depressive disorder (MDD)

Difficulty concentrating, remembering details, and making decisions

Fatigue and decreased energy

Feelings of worthlessness and/or helplessness

Feelings of hopelessness and/or pessimism

Insomnia, early morning wakefulness OR excessive sleeping

Irritability, restlessness

Loss of interests in activities or hobbies once pleasurable, including sex

Loss of pleasure in life

Overeating or appetite loss

Persistent aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems that do not ease with treatment

Persistent sad, anxious, or “empty” feelings

Thoughts of suicide or suicide attempts

Dysthymia (Mild chronic Depression)

Dysthymia, sometimes referred to as mild, chronic depression, is less severe and has fewer symptoms than major depression. With dysthymia, the depression can linger for a longer period of time, often two years or longer. While not as disabling as major depression, dysthymia can keep you from feeling your best and functioning optimally. Those who suffer from dysthymia can also experience periods of major depression–sometime called “double depression”.

Sadness or depressed mood most of the day or almost every day

Loss of enjoyment in things that were once pleasurable

Major weight changes (gain or loss of more than 5% within a month) or appetite

Insomnia or excessive sleep almost every day

Being physically restless or rundown in a way that is noticeable by others

Fatigue or loss of energy almost every day

Feeling of worthlessness or hopelessness or excessive guilt almost every day

Problems with concentration or making decisions almost everyday

Recurring thoughts of death or suicide, suicide plan, or suicide attempt