Common Risk Factors

• Certain factors seem to trigger depression. According to the Mayo Clinic, you may be at risk if:
  • Any relatives suffer from depression, or have committed suicide.
  • You have recently given birth
  • You abuse drugs or alcohol
  • You have long-term use of some medications such as sleeping pills, birth control pills or medications for high blood pressure.
  • You have a serious illness such as HIV, heart disease or cancer
  • You have specific personality traits such as low self-esteem
  • You have experienced traumatic life events such as death of a family member
  • You are female: women in the U.S. are twice as likely as men to be diagnosed with depression.
  
  

Symptoms

• Depression spans a wide variety of symptoms. People suffering from depression may experience only a few symptoms, while others may suffer from many. Common symptoms include:
  • Feeling you are worthless, hopeless or sad
  • Trouble sleeping, or sleeping too much
  • Irritability, or being easily annoyed
  • Restlessness
  • Loss of interest in daily activities or hobbies
  • Crying spells
  • Fatigue
  • Generally feeling miserable, but unable to pinpoint why
  • Thoughts of suicide
  • Social isolation
  • Anxiety
  
  

When to Get Help

• When you are consistently feeling sad for weeks, months or even years, consider getting help for your depression. It is not something you can "snap out of" and it goes beyond the common "blues" or daily frustrations. If depression is starting to interfere with your life---such as work, relationships or even your ability to eat--seek help. Don't be afraid to reach out to a family member, friend, counselor, spiritual leader or anyone you trust if you feel depressed, especially if you have thoughts of suicide. There are also numerous crisis centers and hot lines available to help.
  
  

Treatment

• Sometimes depression is a symptom of another condition. Bipolar disorder and Seasonal Affective Disorder are two disorders that may have many of the same symptoms as depression. It is important to be evaluated by a mental health professional or doctor so that you get the best treatment possible. Typical treatments for depression are various medications (antidepressants) and cognitive therapy or psychotherapy. Many patients respond quite well to a combination medication and therapy. Doctors may pursue other forms of treatment depending on the severity of the depression.
  
  

If Someone You Love Is Depressed

• While you cannot force someone to get help, you can offer your support and just listen. Perhaps you can even attend therapy sessions with him. If someone you know has hurt himself, or is talking about suicide, take him to the hospital for immediate help. Provide him with information for depression or suicide hotlines and crisis centers.