If at any point you or someone you know experiencing depression needs immediate attention, dial 911.
By Katie Lovallo, MA, Mind Fit Performance (www.mindfitperformance.com)
Depression is a mood disorder that involves a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed. It can lead to a variety of emotional and physical problems that affect one’s ability to function at daily tasks.
Causes of depression may vary, from personality, genetics , biochemistry, environmental factors, or a traumatic life event. Depression symptoms can vary in severity (mild to severe) and may include:
- Feeling sad or having a depressed mood
- Loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed
- Changes in appetite — weight loss or gain unrelated to dieting
- Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much
- Loss of energy or increased fatigue
- Increase in purposeless physical activity (e.g., inability to sit still, pacing, handwringing) or slowed movements or speech (these actions must be severe enough to be observable by others)
- Feeling worthless or guilty
- Difficulty thinking, concentrating or making decisions
- Thoughts of death or suicide
Depression is treatable, and most people respond well to treatment. If you or someone you know is experiencing depression, seek the help of a professional, like a counselor (MA, MFT, LCSW), psychiatrist (M.D. or D.O) or psychotherapist (PhD., PsyD, or EdD). You can find a local reference by clicking one of the links below.
American Psychiatric Association
Mental Health Resources:
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
24/7 free, confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources and best practices for professionals.
https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org
1-800-273-8255
National Sexual Assault Hotline
Sexual assault support
https://online.rainn.org
1-800-656-HOPE (4673)
National Eating Disorder Association
Free, confidential helpline and support
http://myneda.org/helpline-chat
1-800-931-2237
24/7 support via text (send NEDA to 741-741)
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
Free, national helpline, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service (in English and Spanish) for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders.
https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline
1-800-662-HELP (4357)
24/7 support via text (send to 435748 (HELP4U)) or TTY: 1-800-487-4889
