You are not alone

With September being Suicide Awareness Month. It is important to know one of the risk factors for suicide. DEPRESSION

Feeling down every so often is a normal part of life. When those feelings of sadness and loss of interest are persistent, you may have depression. Depression can affect a person’s ability to perform daily functions.

Symptoms of Depression include

- Loss of sleep or increase sleep

- Decrease interest or pleasure of activities

- Feelings of guilt or worthlessness

- Low energy

- Poor concentration

- Decrease or Increase appetite

- Inability to sit still

- Thoughts of suicide

The thing about depression is that at times the symptoms can vary with gender and age. 

Women: Feelings of guilt, overeating, weight gain and oversleeping. 

Men: Complains of feeling tiredness, sleep problems, decrease interest in work, They are likely to show reckless behavior, anger, and substance abuse. 

Teens: Appears more anger, irritable, agitated. Complaints of physical symptoms such as abdominal pain and headaches. 

Elderly: Complainss of more physical signs such as aches and pains, fatigue, and memory problems. 

Depression is managed by psychotherapy alone or medication alone however combination of both shows an increased impact on response compared to treatment with either treatment alone.

Remember what you read in the first line of this blog. Depression is a risk factor for suicide. Seek professional help! 

Did you know 17.3 million people in America are affected with depression? 

The stigma of depression can prevent one to seek resources.  However, there are people who are educated and trained in depression and want to help.  

Let’s each play our part to decrease the stigma of mental health.

SAMHSA's National Helpline 1800-662-HELP (4357)

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 800-273-8255

Dr. A