Depression

Everyone feels down or blue from time to time.  If you have experienced several of the following symptoms for at least two weeks, you might be experiencing clinical depression.

  • Depressed mood.  This may be expressed as irritability or anger, especially in children or men.
  • Feelings of hopelessness
  • Feelings of guilt or worthlessness
  • Helplessness
  • Restlessness or agitation
  • Loss of interest in hobbies or activities, including sex
  • Fatigue or decreased energy
  • Difficulty concentrating, problems with memory, problems making decisions
  • Sleep problems or excessive sleep
  • Changes in appetite
  • Thoughts of death and/or suicide
  • Persistent aches or pains, headaches, cramps or digestive problems that do not ease even with treatment

The two most common and effective treatments for depression are medications and psychotherapy.  A combination also works well.