Everyone occasionally feels blue or sad but these feelings are short-lived and pass within a few days.  When you have depression, it will normally last longer than a few days and interfere with daily life. Grief, losing a job, major illness, chronic stress or major life issues such as divorce (to name a few) can cause depression.  Many people with a depression never seek treatment. But the majority who do, even those with the most severe depression, can get better with proper treatment.  

Signs and symptoms of depression: 

• Sad or irritable mood
• Overeating or loss of appetite
• Diminished interest in or enjoyment of activities
• Lack of energy
• Problems concentrating
• Suicidal thoughts or gestures
• Social withdrawal
• Sleeplessness or hypersomnia
• Feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness or guilt
• Frequent crying episodes

If you believe you (or someone you know) is experiencing depression the most important thing you can do is seek.  A family physician or licensed therapist will be able assess if you have depression and provide available treatment recommendations.