Depression – What To Do?

Over 20 million Americans experience depression.  Many will never seek treatment.  Depression is a medical condition that can be successfully treated.  Very often, a depressed mood follows a loss, difficult times, or emotional trauma and can be a normal reaction to those events.  When the depression lasts for long periods and interferes with the ability to function, it becomes a depressive disorder.  Untreated depression can escalate and cause years of struggle and suffering for the individual and those in his/her life.  It can lead to suicide. 

The following are symptoms of depression:

• Feeling extremely sad or anxious
• Feeling hopeless or worthless
• Changes in sleep patterns
• Loss of enjoyment from things that were once enjoyable
• Loss of energy
• Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
• Changes in appetite that lead to a loss or gain of weight
• Thoughts of death or suicide
• Physical symptoms may include headache, stomachache, digestive problems and sexual dysfunction.

If these symptoms reflect what you are feeling, see your health care provider.

Depressive disorders can be caused by genetic factors, drug and/or alcohol abuse, certain medication, lack of support and/or coping skills, or unresolved conflict or grief.

Depression treatment ideally consists of regular counseling, medication, and/or a combination of both.

If you’d like to learn more, we will be having a Depression Panel of Professionals who will discuss depression in more depth, along with treatment options.  There will be time for a question and answer period at the end.  If interested, contact Sandy Neeson, 440-871-1503 x101 or via email.