Depression is a mood disorder that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest. Depression often affects how you feel, think and behave and can lead to a variety of emotional and physical problems. Some people may have difficulty doing everyday normal activities or may feel that life just isn’t worth living. Depression can also rob you of peace. As a result, you may experience sleep disturbances, loss of interest in pleasurable actives, guilt, low energy, reduced concentration, fluctuations in appetite, fatigue, and feelings of worthlessness.
Rather than just a few “down” days, depression isn’t a weakness that someone can simply will himself or herself to “snap out of it”. Depression may require long-term treatment. But please do not be discouraged – you do have more control than you realize. Many people who suffer with depression feel better with medication, psychological counseling, or both. Here is hope for overcoming depression – don’t go it alone.
