Depression


Signs

  • a sad anxious or empty mood that lasts for two weeks or more
  • loss of interest or pleasure in most activities you once enjoyed
  • feelings of worthlessness, hopeless or guilt
  • significant change in weight or appetite
  • changes in sleep habit
  • fatigue, loss of energy, feeling "slowed down"
  • agitation, restlessness, irritability
  • difficulty concentrating
  • thoughts of death or suicide: suicide attempts
  • difficulty concentrating, remembering and making decisions
  • physical symptoms - headaches, digestive disorders, and chronic pain - that don't respond to medical treatment
  • having difficulties with alcohol, other drugs, tobacco or food
  • practicing unsafe sex or other forms of "sex with regrets"
  • driving recklessly
  • vandalizing property or stealing

(National Institute of Mental Health)

What You Can Do

  • get into a healthful routine
  • eat nutritious meals
  • get enough sleep and exercise regularly
  • go to classes and restart a hobbies or try something new
  • read up on coping with depression
  • check with a CAPS counselor for more ideas and support

When To Seek Professional Help

  • depression persists for several weeks
  • becomes more severe
  • leads to self-destructive thoughts and behavior