Depression

The word "depression" comes from the latin word, "deprimere", meaning to press down or depress. Anyone who has suffered from depression recognizes the connection between the physical feeling of being pressed down and the emotional and spiritual sensation of feeling depleted of energy for living. The bad news about depression is that it impacts every aspect of an individual's life: social, physical, spiritual, emotional, and cognitive changes occur as it becomes more difficult to cope. The good news about depression is that it is very treatable.

Many kinds of stressors can trigger depression, including relationship breakups, experiences of failure or loss, or the stress of adjusting to a new environment. Symptoms of depression are highly recognizable, both to those affected with depression and those closest to them. These are symptoms to look for:

• Loss of energy and interest
• Diminished ability to enjoy oneself
• Sleeping more/less than usual
• Feeling fatigued after 12 hours of sleep
• Increased/decreased appetite
• Significant weight gain/loss
• Difficulty in concentrating; indecisiveness; slowed or fuzzy thinking
• Exaggerated feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or anxiety
• Feelings of worthlessness
• Missing deadlines or a drop in standards
• Increased alcohol/drug use
• Change in personality
• Social withdrawal
• Recurring thoughts about death and suicide

If most of these symptoms last for two weeks or more, you should call the CAP Center at 5200 and ask for the Personal Counselor or contact a medical doctor or mental health professional of your choice.