Think you Might be Depressed?

The questions below help indicate symptoms of depression. Mark off any of the symptoms that you have been experiencing almost every day for the past two weeks or longer. (Can we put these in some format where the client could actually check off a box for each item?)

I feel sad or down
I have lost interest in most activities I used to enjoy
I have no energy or feel tired for no reason
I have gained or lost weight
I have difficulty concentrating or making decisions
I am restless and can't sit still
I feel hopeless, guilty or worthless
I have headaches, backaches, or other physical complaints that aren't getting better with treatment
I have thoughts of suicide or death
I have trouble sleeping through the night

If you have checked at least one of the first two questions and several of the other questions, you may be suffering from depression.

Clinical depression affects several million Americans each year and is the number one health care problem in this country today.

It is normal for things to happen in our lives that makes us feel angry or sad. When these feelings linger, depression can become a real problem and require treatment. This is known as clinical depression or a Depressive Disorder.

Depression is a "whole-body" illness including your mood, thoughts, and body. It is not a passing down or blue feeling. Clinical Depression is a serious illness not a sign of personal weakness. It can affect the way one thinks, feels, eats, and sleeps. People with clinical depression cannot simply "pull themselves together."

Depression is a treatable disease and appropriate treatment can help most people who suffer from depression.

Causes of Depression

Depression may be caused by a combination of genetic, psychological, and environmental factors.

Genetic:

If your parents or siblings have clinical depression you have an increased risk of developing depression. However, depression can also occur in people who have no family history.

Environmental Factors:

An event that is a change, loss or stress in one's life can trigger depression. This could include divorce, death of a loved one, moving, or changing jobs or schools.

Biological:

Your brain sends signals though your body to control how you feel. If your brain does not produce enough of the chemicals called neurotransmitters, it cannot send messages properly. This chemical imbalance can lead to symptoms of depression.

Do you have the symptoms of depression?

If you feel you may be suffering from depression, please call a T.E.A.M. counselor. There are a number of ways to treat depression and a counselor can help find the treatment that is right for you. Treatment typically includes counseling and/or antidepressant medication.

To learn more about depression or to schedule an appointment at T.E.A.M., please call 651-642-0182 or 800-634-7710.