Depression

Depression Treatment

Depressed man sitting on side of bed

Depression affects how you feel, the way you think and how you act. It is more than just being down or feeling sad because of something happening in your life.

Depression is a deep feeling of overwhelming sadness or the marked loss of interest or pleasure in activities you usually enjoy that lasts at least 2 weeks.

Depression can be a symptom seen in many psychiatric or physical illnesses, including alcohol or substance misuse. Bipolar depression is much more common than bipolar mania. Low testosterone is a common cause of depression in older men and it is also a common problem in menopausal women.

Medical conditions including viruses, vitamin deficiencies or thyroid disorders can cause the same symptoms as depression. These co-occurring illnesses need to be treated before a person will respond to treatment for depression.

Some people suffering from depression seek out alcohol and drugs as a solution, but only get temporary relief. Substances do not cure problems, they create them. Once diagnosed, a person with depression can be successfully treated by a psychiatrist.

Depression and Suicide

Get Help If You Have Persistent Thoughts Such As:
  • I’m finished.” “It’s all over”, “There’s no hope”, There’s nothing I can do” ,“My family would be better off without me”;
  • You start to have a plan to harm yourself.
If You Are In Crisis Call the toll-free National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1‑800‑273‑TALK (8255), available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
The service is available to anyone. All calls are confidential.