WARNING SIGNS THAT YOU MIGHT BE DEPRESSED

If you are concerned that you might be struggling with depression, it is important to reach out to a professional for help.  I work in conjunction with many local physicians and psychiatrists if you are considering using medication to help get you back on track.  Please consider calling me for a free initial consultation if you suffer from 5 or more of the following symptoms:

Sadness throughout the day, nearly every day
Feeling sad is a natural part of life, but prolonged sadness can be a symptom associated with depression, especially if you find that your sadness interferes with everyday life.

Loss of interest in or enjoyment of your favorite activities
If you have lost interest in the things you once enjoyed, like going to the movies, hanging out with friends, or walking the dog, you may be experiencing one of the common symptoms of depression.

Feelings of worthlessness
Do you feel like you don't matter or that you don't deserve to be happy? Have you experienced these feelings for an extended period of time?

Thoughts of death or suicide
Thoughts of death or suicide are common in depression, and it's important to take these thoughts seriously. If you feel like giving up, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433).

Sleeping too much or too little
Sleeping too much or not enough may be a symptom of depression. Do you stay awake at night and feel sleepy during the day?

Change in appetite or weight
A weight change of more than 5% (up or down) in a month when you haven't been trying to gain or lose weight may be a sign of depression.

Trouble making decisions?
Having trouble making decisions? Do the little things frustrate you? Do some decisions seem too overwhelming or burdensome?

Fatigue or lack of energy?
Feeling tired or fatigued nearly every day may be associated with depression. Do you drag yourself out of bed each morning? Do you feel like you have no energy to make dinner or do laundry?

Trouble concentrating?
Has your performance at work gone down because you can't concentrate? Are you unable to focus on your daily tasks and projects? Is your mind always racing?

Excessive or inappropriate feelings of guilt?
Having excessive feelings of guilt should raise a red flag. Are you constantly blaming yourself when things don't turn out well? You may have done nothing wrong, but maybe you feel like what you do is never right.