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