Feeling Depressed

Overview

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:

• Being female. Women are twice as likely as men to have feelings of depression. Hormonal changes may play a role. These feelings may be seen more during pregnancy. They're most common shortly after the birth of a baby (postpartum depression), or shortly before or during menopause. Some women have feelings of sadness or depression shortly before their menstrual periods (premenstrual syndrome, or PMS).
• Age older than 60. Feelings of depression in this age group are often overlooked. That's because the symptoms are similar to other diseases and problems that older adults may have. Adults in this age group are more likely to have social isolation. Feelings of sadness may be linked to other life events, such as retirement, the death of a spouse or child, or declining physical abilities.
• Personal or family history. You are more likely to have feelings of depression if you have a history of previous depression, an anxiety disorder, or another mental illness. You are also 2 to 3 times more likely to have feelings of depression if one or both of your parents were diagnosed with depression.
• Medical problems—such as cancer, kidney disease, heart disease, or Parkinson's disease—or substance use disorder or withdrawal.
• Stressful life events. These are things like changing jobs, the loss of a job, or your children leaving home.
• Lack of family or social support.

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.

• Changes in appetite or weight
• Restlessness or decreased activity that is noticed by others
• Feeling tired or sleepy all the time
• Having trouble sleeping, or sleeping more than usual
• Not being able to concentrate or make decisions
• Feeling hopeless
• Feeling worthless or guilty
• Preoccupation with death or recurrent thoughts of suicide

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:

• Call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.
• Call 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255).
• Text HOME to 741741 to access the Crisis Text Line.

Consider saving these numbers in your phone.

Self-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.

• Practice positive thinking.

  Make statements that promote good thoughts. Replace negative self-talk with positive comments.

• Take action to put more fun into your life.
  • Exercise regularly. Being active on a regular basis may help you feel better.
  • Work in the garden, or play with a pet.
  • Visit a friend. Spending time with a good friend may help you forget about your problems for a while. It can help you see the brighter side of life.
  • Have a massage or a manicure, or get your hair cut.
  • Rearrange your furniture.
  • Take a class, or go to a free lecture at the public library or local hospital.
  • Go to the movies, or watch a funny movie.
  • If nothing feels fun, try doing something that you used to enjoy.
  • Take a vacation. Sometimes just getting away for an afternoon will brighten your mood.
• Avoid using illegal drugs or marijuana and drinking alcohol.

  They may interfere with medicines you are taking or they can make your depression worse.

• Talk to your doctor before trying complementary treatments.

  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:

• Call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.
• Call 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255).
• Text HOME to 741741 to access the Crisis Text Line.

Consider saving these numbers in your phone.

When to call for help during self-care

Call a doctor if any of the following occur during self-care at home:

• Feelings of sadness, loneliness, or unhappiness last for weeks.
• Symptoms occur more often or are more severe.
• Symptoms are not getting better as expected.

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Preparing For Your Appointment