Depression

Everyone feels sad at times but people with depression feel sad all of the time.  Many people do not realize that they are depressed.  The good news is that it can be treated.

The causes of depression are varied:

• The way different parts of the brain "talk" to each other.
• Depression can run in families.
• Chronic illness.
• Stress.
• Alcohol or drug use.
• Having a baby.

The signs of depression can include:

• Sadness.
• Things that used to make you happy, don't make you happy anymore.
• No interest in eating.
• Eating too much, or all the time.
• Sleeping too little, or all the time.
• Feeling tired all the time.
• Feeling nervous or cranky.
• Crying a lot.
• Feeling guilty.
• Feeling hopeless.
• Trouble paying attention.
• Thinking of death or trying to kill yourself.

If you have some of these signs for more than two weeks go to your doctor or clinic.  Depression can be treated with medicine or counseling.  Sometimes both are used.

To learn more go to the National Institute of Mental Health.

http://www.nimh.nih.gov