Information on Depression

What is Depression?

Depression is not a sign of weakness.

Depression is feeling sad, empty, exhausted, worthless and hopeless for weeks, months or years at a time.

It can be caused by:

- Chronic stress
- Traumatic events
- Grief
- A series of significant disappointments
- Genetic factors
- Health/medical problems
- Chronic sleep problems
- Negative thinking patterns

People with depressive illnesses do not all experience the same symptoms. The severity, frequency and duration of symptoms will vary depending on the individual.

Symptoms include:

* Persistent sad, anxious or "empty" feelings
* Feelings of hopelessness and/or pessimism
* Feelings of guilt, worthlessness and/or helplessness
* Irritability, restlessness
* Loss of interest in activities or hobbies once pleasurable, including sex
* Fatigue and decreased energy
* Difficulty concentrating, remembering details and making decisions
* Insomnia, early–morning wakefulness, or excessive sleeping
* Overeating, or appetite loss
* Thoughts of suicide, suicide attempts
* Persistent aches or pains, headaches, cramps or digestive problems that do not ease even with treatment

Treatments

* Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy is helpful for overcoming negative thinking patterns.

* Insight Therapy can help you to identify, understand and heal the unconscious/core issues that may be causing the depression.

* Antidepressants can be used to treat chemical imbalances in the brain.