Depression Information
Depression is a common illness, affecting more than 17 million people in the US each year.
Although the exact cause of depression is not known most researchers believe it to be due to a chemical “imbalance” in the brain.
Antidepressant medications work to reestablish the balance of “neurotransmitter chemicals” in the brain.
Counselling plays a key role to help patients plan effective behavioral strategies to combat their depression.
Test & Diagnosis
Symptoms of Depression
When a person has five or more of the following symptoms, including feelings of sadness or loss of interest or pleasure, or if these symptoms interfere with a person’s life, s/he may have major (clinical) depression and should see a health care professional.
Feeling sad, crying a lot
Major changes in appetite and sleep patterns
Irritability, anger
Worry, anxiety
Pessimism, indifference, feeling like nothing will ever go right
Loss of energy, constant exhaustion
Unexplained aches and pains
Feelings of guilt, worthlessness and/or hopelessness
Not able to concentrate or make decisions
Not able to enjoy things once enjoyed, not wanting to socialize
Recurring thoughts of death or suicide
If you or someone you know has thoughts of death or suicide, contact a medical professional, clergy member, loved one, friend or crisis line such as 1-800-273-8255 (TALK) immediately, or go to your nearest hospital emergency room.
Symptoms of Mania
When a person has three or more of the following symptoms, including an unusually excited, irritable or energized mood for a week or more, or if these symptoms interfere with a person’s life, s/he may be having a manic episode and should see a health care professional.
Increased physical and mental activity and energy
Extreme optimism and self-confidence
Grandiose thoughts, increased sense of self-importance
Irritability
Aggressive behavior
Decreased need for sleep without feeling tired
Racing speech, racing thoughts
Impulsiveness, poor judgment
Reckless behavior such as spending sprees, major business decisions, careless driving and sexual promiscuity
In severe cases, delusions (thinking things that aren’t true) and hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that don’t exist)
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