The National Institute of Mental Health has many great resources for those who many

struggling with feeling down, sad, hopeless, and depressed.  

Types of Depression:

1.  Major depression (Men)/ Major depression (Women)- symptoms affect with daily ability to work, sleep, study, eat, engage in life and are present most of the time for at least 2 weeks.

2.  Persistent depressive disorder (Dysthymia) - often includes less severe symtpoms of depression that last much longer, typcially for at least 2 years.

3.  Perinatal depression/Postnatal depression - occurs when a woman experiences major depression during pregnancy or after delivery.

4.  Seasonal affective disorder - depressive symptoms come and go with the seasons, typically worsening mood and interest in fall and early winter and improve during spring and summer.

5.  Depression with symptoms of psychosis - a severe form of depression where a person has delusions or hallucinations.  This often requires in patient treatment during severity.

Depression is one of the most common mental health disorders in the United States.  It is very treatable.  Research shows that genetic, biological, environmntal, and psychological factors can all play a role in depression.  It can happen at any age, but often begins in adulthood.  Depression and other chronic mood and anxiety disorders in adults often begin as high levels of anxiety in children.

Depression can also co-occur with many health conditions such as diabetes, cancer, heart disease, and Parkinson's disease.  These conditions are often worse when depression is present, and research suggests that people who have depression and another medical illness tend to have more severe symptoms of both illnesses.  Sometimes it's medication taken for the medical condition that contribute to the depression.  

Risk factors for depression include:

- Personal or family history of depression

-Major life changes, trauma, or stress

-Certain physical illnesses and medications

Signs and symptoms of depression:

Symptoms last at least 2 weeks long and are persistent nearly every day, most of the day, and affect life:

*Persistent sad, anxious, or empty mood

*Feelings of hopelessness, or pessimism

*Feelings of irritability, frustration, or restlessness

*Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness

*Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities

*Decreased energy, fatigue, or feeling "slowed down"

*Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making any decisions

*Difficulty sleeping, early morning awakening, or oversleeping

*Changes in appetite or unplanned weight changes

*Thoughts of death or suicide, or suicide attempts

*Aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems wihtout a clear physical cause that do not ease even with treatment

Treatment options for Depression:

No two people are affected the same way by depression and therefore there is no "one size fits all" approach to treatment.  The earlier the treatment begins, often the more effective it is.  Depression is usually treated with medications, psychotherapy, or a combination of the two.  

If you think you have depression, call Andrea Skrocki, PLLC to see if she can help.  There are many options to get you the help you need today. 

IF YOU ARE FEELING SUICIDAL WITH THOUGHTS OF KILLING YOURSELF (OR OTHERS) CALL 911, OR GO TO THE NEAREST EMERGENCY ROOM.