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Home  Feature Articles Depression is NOT Sadness
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Depression is NOT Sadness |
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Friday, 30 June 2006 |
Clinical depression is one of the most common mental illnesses. It affects more than 19 million Americans each year and can occur to anyone, at any age, of any race or ethnic group. While being sad is a normal part of life, depression is not.
The symptoms of clinical depression are easy to identify. They include: a persistent sad, anxious or “empty” mood; restlessness and irritability; fatigue and loss of energy; difficulty concentrating, remembering or making decisions; an increase or decrease in appetite and weight; a change in sleep patterns, either too much or too little, as well as waking in the middle of the night or early morning; persistent physical symptoms, like chronic pain or digestive disorders, that don’t respond to treatment; loss of pleasure and interest in activities once enjoyed; feelings of guilt, hopelessness or worthlessness; and persistent thoughts of suicide or death.
Happily, clinical depression is a very treatable condition; more than 80% of those who seek treatment from a physician or qualified mental health professional show improvement.
The National Mental Health Association works to improve the mental health of all Americans through advocacy, education, research and service. Visit www.nmha.org or call 1-800-969-6642 for more information.
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