Depression

Depression affects millions of people and can manifest itself in many ways. Many depressed patients have:

• a lack of energy,
• changes in appetite (either increased or diminished),
• bodily aches and pains,
• lack of interest in activities they usually enjoy,
• an inability to accomplish day to day tasks,
• difficulty sleeping or sleeping more than usual
• problems concentrating, remembering things or making decisions

Causes of depression include:

• genetic - it can run in families
• physical - bio-chemical changes due to heart attack and stroke
• situational - a loss of a loved one, loss of a job
• stressful life events
• chronic disease, health problems, stress or pain

Risks- untreated depression can lead to:

• suicide
• depressed immune system leading to increased illness
• isolation from family and friends
• health issues

Treatments:

• stay away from alcohol and drugs; they will worsen the depression
• get enough sleep
• a balanced diet
• increase your self care activities
• build things you enjoy into your daily life
• keep hope that things will improve
• regular exercise
• obtain social support from friends and family
• counseling
• medications

You do not have to suffer from depression alone - please reach out for help and talk to your doctor for support and resources. Check out our internet resource list on the health links page under the topic mental health for more information.