Research has found that pretty much everyone experiences depression at some point during their life. The technical definition of depression is that it involves feelings of sadness that do not always have a reasonable cause. It can be short-term and specific to a situation or it can last for a long time. Depression can be helped by counseling as well as medication.

Identifying Depression

Mental and physical symptoms of depression:

  • Loss of interest in normal daily activities
  • Depressed mood: Feelings of sadness, loss of hope, and crying
  • Sleep too little or too much
  • Difficulty making decisions or concentrating
  • Getting in trouble
  • Low self-esteem
  • Changes in weight and appetite
  • Crabby
  • Self-injury (cutting)
  • Thoughts of death or suicide

Causes of depression:

  • Problems with family or friends
  • Problems at school
  • Sadness and loneliness
  • Low self-esteem
  • Relationship problems or divorce
  • Loss of a loved one
  • Sickness

Seeking Help

I’m depressed and seeking help.

If you experience any combination of depression symptoms, it is best to seek mental health services. And if you have frequent thoughts about self-injury, death, or suicide please seek emergency healthcare.

Resources

Other Local Counseling Services

Crisis Hotlines

Web Resources