Depression is a common but serious medical illness that negatively affects how you feel, the way you think and how you act. Fortunately, it is also treatable.
Who Gets Depression
Depression can affect anyone – men and women, of all ages, races, ethnicities, and socioeconomic backgrounds. While depression may strike once in a person’s life, it often comes back.
Symptoms of Depression
- Feeling sad or having a depressed mood
- Loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed
- Changes in appetite – weight loss or gain unrelated to dieting
- Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much
- Loss of energy or increased fatigue
- Feeling restless or slowed down
- Feeling worthless or guilty
- Difficulty thinking, concentrating, or making decisions
- Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide
Important points to remember
- Depression is not a sign of weakness and you cannot just “snap out of it”.
- There are effective treatments for depression.
- With treatment, most people with depression feel better and can function at work and at home.
Deciding to get help for depression is a smart move. But what can counseling do for me?
Counseling can help you understand and manage your depression. A therapist can help you identify the thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that are contributing to your depression. They can also teach you coping skills and techniques to manage your symptoms.
Counseling can help you improve your relationships. Depression can make it difficult to connect with others. A therapist can help you develop healthier communication skills and improve your relationships with family and friends.
Counseling can help you develop a support system. A therapist can help you find support groups and other resources to help you cope with depression.
Counseling can help you feel better about yourself. Depression can lead to feelings of guilt, shame, and worthlessness. A therapist can help you challenge these negative thoughts and develop a more positive self-image.