What are the symptoms of Depression?

According to the National Foundation of Depressive Illness, the symptoms of Depressive Illness are highly recognizable, both to those affected and to those closest to them, once they are told what to look for.

• Loss of energy and interest.
• Diminished ability to enjoy oneself.
• Decreased (or increased) sleeping or appetite.
• Difficulty in concentrating, indecisiveness, slowed or fuzzy thinking.
• Exaggerated feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or anxiety.
• Feelings of worthlessness.
• Recurring thoughts about death and suicide.

For more information: National Foundation for Depressive Illness http://www.depression.org/symptoms.html

Think you might be suffering from depression? Try this online quiz: http://depression-screening.org/screeningtest/screeningtest.htm

What is Depression?

A depressive disorder is an illness that involves the body, mood, and thoughts. It affects the way a person eats and sleeps, the way one feels about oneself, and the way one thinks about things. A depressive disorder is not the same as a passing blue mood. It is not a sign of personal weakness or a condition that can be willed or wished away. People with a depressive illness cannot merely "pull themselves together" and get better. Without treatment, symptoms can last for weeks, months, or years. Appropriate treatment, however, can help most people who suffer from depression.
For more information: National Institute of Mental Health http://www.nimh.nih.gov/publicat/depression.cfm#ptdep1

What to do if you are depressed?

Depressive disorders make one feel exhausted, worthless, helpless, and hopeless. Such negative thoughts and feelings make some people feel like giving up. It is important to realize that these negative views are part of the depression and typically do not accurately reflect the actual circumstances. Negative thinking fades as treatment begins to take effect. In the meantime:

• Set realistic goals in light of the depression and assume a reasonable amount of responsibility.
• Break large tasks into small ones, set some priorities, and do what you can as you can.
• Try to be with other people and to confide in someone; it is usually better than being alone and secretive.
• Participate in activities that may make you feel better.
• Mild exercise, going to a movie, a ball game, or participating in religious, social, or other activities may help.
• Expect your mood to improve gradually, not immediately. Feeling better takes time.
• It is advisable to postpone important decisions until the depression has lifted. Before deciding to make a significant transition-change jobs, get married or divorced-discuss it with others who know you well and have a more objective view of your situation.
• People rarely "snap out of" a depression. But they can feel a little better day-by-day.
• Remember, positive thinking will replace the negative thinking that is part of the depression and will disappear as your depression responds to treatment.
• Let your family and friends help you.

Where can I get more information about Depression?

National Institute of Mental Health
Information Resources and Inquiries Branch

6001 Executive Boulevard
Room 8184, MSC 9663
Bethesda, MD 20892-9663
Telephone: 1-301-443-4513
FAX: 1-301-443-4279
TTY: 1-301-443-8431
FAX4U: 1-301-443-5158
Website: http://www.nimh.nih.gov
E-mail: nimhinfo@nih.gov

Colonial Place Three
2107 Wilson Blvd., Suite 300
Arlington, VA 22201
Phone: 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) or (703) 524-7600
Internet: http://www.nami.org

730 N. Franklin St., Suite #501
Chicago, IL 60610-7204
(312) 988-1150
Fax: (312) 642-7243
Internet: www.DBSAlliance.org

P.O. Box 2257
New York, NY 10116
1-212-268-4260; 1-800-239-1265
Website: http://www.depression.org

2001 N. Beauregard Street, 12th Floor
Alexandria, VA 22311
Phone: 1-800-969-6942 or (703) 684-7722
TTY-800-443-5959
Internet: http://www.nmha.org