What is depression?
Depression is a mental illness that causes people to feel hopeless, helpless, sad and negative.  People have these feelings to such an extent that they cannot carry out their usual daily activities.

Depression is not a weakness, it is an illness.  it affects people of all ages, races, backgrounds, lifestyles and financial situations.
 

What causes depression?
The cause is not known.  Some things we do know that may contribute to a person having a depression include:

     * A family history of depression
     * Serious and upsetting situations in a person's life
     * A person's body chemistry
     * A person's personality and thinking style
 

What are the signs and symptoms of depression?
A person with depression may have five or more of the following:

     * Sadness lasting 2 weeks or more
     * Loss of interest in daily activities
     * Feeling tired, loss of energy
     * Changes in sleep (sleeping too much or too little)
     * Changes in weight and/or appetite (eating too 
        much or too little)
     * Feeling worthless
     * Feeling very guilty
     * Not able to think clearly or concentrate
     * Irritability
     * Memory problems\
     * Trouble making decisions
     * Decrease in sexual desires
     * Withdrawing from family and friends
     * Thoughts of wanting to die
 

How is depression treated?
It is important to know that depression can be treated
Your doctormay suggest one or more of the following:

     * Medicines that may help
     * Psychotherapy (talk therapy)
     * Group therapy
     * ECT (Electroconvulsive Therapy)
 

What can someone with depression do?

     * If you feel you are depressed, talk to your doctor
       about it.
     * If you have medicines ordered for you, take them 
       as directed.  Some medicines can take several
       weeks to work.  If you have concerns about the 
       effects of the medicine, talk to your doctor or
       pharmacist.  Do not stop talking to your doctor.
     * Learn as much as you can about the illness and 
        how it is treated.
     * Do not drink any alcohol as it is a depressant.
     * Activity - have something to do every day.
     * Get support - find the people in your life who will
        support you, and ask them for help.