Are you stressed or depressed? It can be hard to tell. The symptoms can appear very similar and at times, co-mingle, but there are some stark differences. Namely, in stressful situations, you can see the light at the end of the tunnel. But, depression is far more pervasive. It can feel like there's nothing that you, or anyone else can do to lift the dark cloud.Tough economic times combined with the winter blahs and the upcoming holiday season may leave you feeling overwhelmed. If you're concerned for yourself, or someone else in your life, here are the signs to watch for:
| Symptoms of Depression | |
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Disrupted sleep cycle Disrupted eating patterns Physical ailments Loss of memory/hair Extreme behavior Negative impact on relationships | Experienced for at least two weeks or longer Persistent, sad, anxious, empty mood Feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness, guilt Loss of interest in things that used to be fun Disrupted sleep/eating cycles Lack of concentration Thoughts of suicide
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More Facts about Depression
- According to the National Institute of Mental Health, major depressive disorder affects approximately 14.8 million American adults, or about 6.7 percent of the U.S. population age 18 and older in a given year.
- Highly treatable with professional help! The most successful treatment results include talk therapy, and in some cases, medication in combination. Anti-depressants can provide a window of opportunity to change behavior, but a pill alone will not change negative thought patterns.
- Take the National Mental Health Association’s online depression screening at http://www.depression-screening.org
- Contact your Employee Assistance Program or Insurance Company for help finding a qualified mental health provider. If you live in NE Ohio and would like to schedule an appointment with Susan Fee, call Lakeshore Educational & Counseling Services at 800-600-5327.
