Depression
- http://www.save.org
- A non-profit organization dedicated to suicide education.
- http://www.ndmda.org
- The National Depressive and Manic-Depressive Association. Has some video clips on depression and manic depression available for viewing, each about 30 minutes.
- http://www.apa.org/topics/depress/index.aspx
Many of us have felt sad or alone at some point. When sadness becomes too much to handle, or lingers for a long time, it may be a sign of depression. Depression is a medical condition that can affect people's ability to work, study, interact with people or take care of themselves. It can be caused by imbalances in brain chemistry. But it can also be triggered by stress, poor nutrition, physical illness, personal loss, and school or relationship difficulties.
Not everyone experiences depression in the same way. Depressed people may appear withdrawn and despondent, or they may be aggressive and self-destructive. Some people may be depressed about a specific problem, while others feel deeply unhappy without knowing why. Sometimes, a depressed person may even appear "fine" to their friends and family. The common thread, however, is an overwhelming, persistent feeling of despair.
Depression affects about 19 million people in the United States every year. Depression can occur as a one-time incident during a time of distress, or it can recur throughout a person's life. The first episode of depression often appears during the young adult years. In fact, nearly half of all college students say they've felt so depressed that they found it difficult to function during the last school year.
Depression isn't always easy to spot. Some people experience primarily behavioral changes, some mainly emotional changes, and still others mostly physical changes. Here are some warning signs that a person may be depressed:
- Persistently sad, anxious, irritable, or empty mood
- Loss of interest in previously enjoyable activities
- Withdrawal from friends and family
- Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much
- Fatigue and decreased energy
- Significant change in appetite and/or weight
- Overreaction to criticisms
- Feeling unable to meet expectations
- Difficulty concentrating, remembering details, and making decisions
- Feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness, or guilt
- Persistent physical symptoms such as headaches, digestive problems, or chronic pain that do not respond to routine treatment
- Substance abuse problems
- Thoughts of suicide or suicide attempts
The good news is that depression is highly treatable. There are many methods to treat depression, including medication and/or counseling. Between 80 - 90% of people treated for depression experience significant improvement, and almost all individuals gain some relief from their symptoms.
People who are depressed commonly think about suicide. It's important to seek help immediately if you or someone you know is having these thoughts.
(From the Jed Foundation)
Depression Resources
- Depression Screening Test: This self-test offered by Mental Health America can help you determine whether you are experiencing depression.
- Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA): Mission is to educate patients, families, professionals and the public concerning the nature of depression and bipolar illness as medical diseases; to foster self-help for patients and families; to eliminate discrimination and stigma; to improve the availability and quality of help and support; and to advocate for research toward the elimination of these illnesses.
- Anxiety and Depression Association of America: Information and resources about anxiety and depression, and related issues such as obsessive compulsive disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and phobias.
- http://www.save.org
- A non-profit organization dedicated to suicide education.
- http://www.ndmda.org
- The National Depressive and Manic-Depressive Association. Has some video clips on depression and manic depression available for viewing, each about 30 minutes.
- http://www.apa.org/topics/depress/index.aspx
- South County Self Help Center
- South County Self Help Center Is A Safe Confidential and Free Service For Mental Health Consumers. Our Vision Is To Be Of Service To The Mental Health Community, To Promote Self Healing, Education and Networking with Peers Through Peer Supported Activities.
South County Self Help Center
1235 1st Street
Gilroy, CA 95020
408.686.2365 - main line
408.686.2368 - direct line
- The Soldiers Project
- Free mental health counseling services for those serving and/or going to serve in Iraq or Afghanistan. Family members included.