National Depression Screening Day 2007- Part II

Today is NATIONAL DEPRESSION SCREENING DAY where all around the nation, people can be screened.

MAIN SYMPTOMS are having at least two of the following for at least two weeks:

• Fatigue

  tiredness, lack of energy

• Depressed mood

  your feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and helplessness that don’t seem to go away

• Anhedonia

  loss of pleasure and enjoyment in activities that were once enjoyable

OTHER SYMPTOMS include

• Loss of confidence and/or low self-esteem

  you feel worthless or guilty

• Suicidal ideation

  You have a negative view of yourself and consistently devalue yourself. You have thoughts of death

• Difficulty concentrating

• Sleeping difficulties

  insomnia (lack of sleep) or hypersomnia (excessive sleep)

• Agitated mood

• Difficulty thinking or concentrating

• Fluctuations in weight

  changes in eating habits

• Less interest in sex

TREATMENTS

• Everyone may have some variations of the signs and symptoms. If you or yourself know someone who may have depression please locate the nearest therapist or psychologist in your area. A first place to start is through your doctor or regional center in your local area. It is an issue that should be discussed with a professional.

• Self help options

  • don’t over do it by taking on too many responsibilities

  • break large tasks into small manageable tasks

  • be with other people

  • participate in fun activities

  • try mild exercise

  • don’t accept negative thinking

FOR MORE RESOURCES

DRUG DIGEST talks more about the treatment options and medications

Similarly WebMED options offers options as well

BLUE PAGES is a resource page that outlines symptoms as well as a depression quiz

MEDICINE NET has information and resources

MAYO CLINIC describes depression symptoms and treatment