What is depression?

Symptoms of depression can include:

• Feeling hopeless or helpless
• Eating less or more than is normal for you
• Sleeping too little or too much
• Loss of interest in things you used to find enjoyable
• Feeling down, sad, or flat most of the time
• Having thoughts of suicide
• Loss of motivation, drive, or energy
• Family history of depression, chemical dependency, and/or suicide

If you are concerned you may have depression, consider counseling and/or talking with you doctor. Medication can often alleviate symptoms more quickly, but counseling can help teach you how to respond differently to those depressive thoughts and behaviors.