Depression can affect anyone at any age, including children, adolescents, adults, and the elderly. Depression can be fatal. Without treatment, depression kills thousands of people around the world each year
Fortunately, depression is highly treatable. Recovery rates for depression surpass treatment success rates for many other physical illnesses including heart disease. With early intervention and effective treatment, 60% to 80% of those suffering from depression can recover and reclaim functional, fulfilling lives.
Don’t let depression destroy your life and dreams, there is hope, there is help.
Take action
Follow the 3 steps outlined below. You may save your life or the life of someone you know.
Step 1: Know the signs and symptoms of depression:
- Persistent sad, anxious, or 'empty' mood
- Feelings of hopelessness, pessimism
- Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, helplessness
- Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities
- Decreased energy, fatigue, being 'slowed down'
- Difficulty concentrating, remembering, making decisions
- Difficulty sleeping, early-morning awakening, or oversleeping
- Appetite and/or weight changes
- Thoughts of death or suicide; suicide attempts
- Restlessness, irritability
- Persistent physical symptoms
Not everyone who is depressed experiences every symptom. Some people experience only a few symptoms; some people suffer many. The severity of symptoms varies among individuals and also over time.
Step 2: Get help
Talk to your healthcare provider.
- The first step to getting treatment is a physical examination by a doctor to rule out other possible causes for the symptoms.
- Next the doctor should conduct a diagnostic evaluation for depression or refer the patient to a mental health professional for this evaluation.
- Depending on the type of depression that you may be suffering, various treatments are available, including medication and psychotherapy.
Step 3: Have hope
Depression is a treatable illness. The majority of people with depressive disorders improve when they receive appropriate treatment. Treatment of depression may include medication, talk therapy, support groups, or other strategies that you and your health care provider may want to try.
Remember! The right treatment is the one that works best for you.
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