Our Health Library information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Please be advised that this information is made available to assist our patients to learn more about their health. Our providers may not see and/or treat all topics found herein. Life is full of changes. Everyday events and our reactions to them sometimes affect our sense of well-being and peace of mind. It's common to get the blues or become sad when you're disappointed. Symptoms of depression are the most common medical problems seen by health professionals. Most people feel sad about losses like divorce or separation, the death of a friend or loved one, or a job change or layoff. These feelings are an expected reaction to a "triggering event." Most people get over them in time. Several things make you more likely to have feelings of depression, such as: Symptoms of depression that may point to a need for treatment vary from person to person. If you have feelings of sadness or loss of interest in pleasurable activities plus four or more of the following symptoms for 2 weeks or longer, you may be depressed. People who feel depressed may also have physical symptoms, such as body aches or stomach problems. Because "mood swings" and other emotional changes are thought to be a normal part of growing up, depression in children and teens often goes unrecognized. Children and teens do have depression. It can affect a child's quality of life. If prolonged or severe depression is left untreated, it can lead to serious outcomes, including suicide attempts and even completed suicide. Depression is the most important risk factor for suicide. Where to get help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week If you or someone you know talks about suicide, self-harm, a mental health crisis, a substance use crisis, or any other kind of emotional distress, get help right away. You can: Consider saving these numbers in your phone. Health Tools help you make wise health decisions or take action to improve your health. Many things can affect how your body responds to a symptom and what kind of care you may need. These include: You have answered all the questions. Based on your answers, you may be able to take care of this problem at home. Symptoms of depression may include: The risk of a suicide attempt is highest if: Based on your answers, you may need care soon. The problem probably will not get better without medical care. Based on your answers, the problem may not improve without medical care. Based on your answers, you may need care right away. The problem is likely to get worse without medical care. Where to get help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week If you or someone you know talks about suicide, self-harm, a mental health crisis, a substance use crisis, or any other kind of emotional distress, get help right away. You can: Consider saving these numbers in your phone. Based on your answers, you need emergency care. Call 911 or other emergency services now. Sometimes people don't want to call 911. They may think that their symptoms aren't serious or that they can just get someone else to drive them. Or they might be concerned about the cost. But based on your answers, the safest and quickest way for you to get the care you need is to call 911 for medical transport to the hospital. Where to get help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week If you or someone you know talks about suicide, self-harm, a mental health crisis, a substance use crisis, or any other kind of emotional distress, get help right away. You can: Consider saving these numbers in your phone. Based on your answers, you may need care right away. The problem is likely to get worse without medical care. Positive actions and feelings can help lift your spirits. Thinking positively may be very hard when you're feeling depressed. But try to think about the positive side of situations and events in your life. Appreciate any moments when you have positive thoughts. The following tips may help. Make statements that promote good thoughts. Replace negative self-talk with positive comments. They may interfere with medicines you are taking or they can make your depression worse. Some complementary medicines can interfere with other medicines. Where to get help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week If you or someone you know talks about suicide, self-harm, a mental health crisis, a substance use crisis, or any other kind of emotional distress, get help right away. You can: Consider saving these numbers in your phone. Call a doctor if any of the following occur during self-care at home: You can help your doctor diagnose and treat your condition by being prepared for your appointment. Current as of: October 20, 2022 Author: Healthwise Staff Next Section: Previous Section: Next Section: Previous Section: Next Section: Previous Section: Next Section: Previous Section: Next Section: Previous Section: Next Section: Previous Section: Current as of: October 20, 2022 Author: Healthwise Staff Medical Review:William H. Blahd Jr. MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine & Kathleen Romito MD - Family Medicine & Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine & David Messenger MD - Emergency Medicine, Critical Care Medicine This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Learn how we develop our content. To learn more about Healthwise, visit Healthwise.org. © 1995-2023 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.Feeling Depressed
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William H. Blahd Jr. MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine
Kathleen Romito MD - Family Medicine
Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine
David Messenger MD - Emergency Medicine, Critical Care Medicine
Our Health Library information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Please be advised that this information is made available to assist our patients to learn more about their health. Our providers may not see and/or treat all topics found herein. Current as of: October 20, 2022 Author: Healthwise Staff Medical Review:William H. Blahd Jr. MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine & Kathleen Romito MD - Family Medicine & Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine & David Messenger MD - Emergency Medicine, Critical Care MedicineFeeling Depressed