August 2006

Is there someone in your life who hasn’t seemed happy lately? Or maybe you haven’t been enjoying your life as much as you used to? Are you worried about depression? Depression is a significant illness that affects a broad number of our population. There are ways to treat it; however, before you can treat it, you must recognize it.

There are a variety of signs of depression. Even if you only have a few signs, you might want to talk to your doctor or a therapist to see if treatment would be a good option for you. Studies have shown that the most effective treatment is a combination of medication and therapy. Every individual is unique and treatment options are varied.

So, what tells you that you or someone you love may have a problem? If you seem to be sad or down most days. If you are no longer enjoying things that you used to. If you seem easily overwhelmed by your life. If you have feelings of worthlessness. If you are having trouble making decisions or concentrating. If you have feelings of guilt that don’t seem appropriate for the situation. If you are irritable or restless. If you are having feelings of hopelessness. If you are having thoughts of death or suicide.

Sometimes the signs of depression can be physical. If you are tired or lack energy. If you are sleeping too much or too little. If you have a change in appetite or weight. If you have unexplained aches, pains, headaches, back pain, digestive problems or dizziness may all point to depression. But they may be signs of other things as well. Go to you doctor and have a physical to see if you are suffering from depression or some other disorder.

If you recognize yourself or someone else from this list of symptoms, please get help. There are many ways to treat depression. Do not lose hope. There is joy out there. You will find it again.