Depression?
DEPRESSION…
Depression affects 121 million people worldwide. It can affect a person’s ability to work, form relationships, and destroy their quality of life. At its most severe, depression can lead to suicide and is responsible for 850,000 deaths every year (Science Daily, 2011). Depression is a medical illness that involves the mind and body and can lead to a variety of emotional and physical problems.
More than just a bout of the blues, depression isn’t a weakness, nor is it something that you can simply “snap out” of. Depression is a chronic illness that usually requires long-term treatment, like diabetes or high blood pressure. But don’t get discouraged! Most people with depression feel better by seeking with psychological counseling, sometimes combined with medication or other treatment. People of all ages experience depression, and symptoms can be slightly different for children and teen than in older adults.
Some of the most common effects of depression include:
- Feelings of sadness or unhappiness
- Loss of interest or pleasure in normal activities
- Insomnia or excessive sleeping
- Changes in appetite (decrease or increase)
- Fatigue, tiredness and loss of energy
- Irritability or frustration, even over small matters
- Frequent thoughts of death, dying or suicide
If you think you may hurt yourself or attempt suicide, call 911 or your local emergency number immediately. You can also reach the toll-free, 24-hour hot line of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255 to talk to a trained counselor.
If you or someone you know are struggling with Depression, you are not alone and there is hope! Call The Refuge Center for Counseling to speak with someone today at 615.771.1155.
