Depression is more than simply a feeling of being “down in the dumps” for a few days, it is a common but serious medical illness that affects how someone feels, thinks, and handles daily activities.

Symptoms can include:

Persistent sadness

Loss of interest or pleasure in activities you used to enjoy

Restlessness and difficulty sitting still

Difficulty sleeping or oversleeping

Energy loss or fatigue

Feelings of worthlessness

Thoughts of death or suicide

Research suggests that Depression is caused by a combination of genetic, biological, psychological and environmental factors, and can happen at any age. Risk factors for Depression include major life changes or stress, trauma, certain physical illnesses such as Diabetes, Cancer, Heart Disease, and Parkinson’s Disease, and a personal or family history of Depression.

Bipolar Disorder differs from depression, but may cause symptoms that meet the criteria for Major Depression. The difference is that someone with Bipolar Disorder can alternate between extremely low moods, and extreme high, euphoric moods called “mania” or “hypomania.”

Some people experience a serious mood change during the winter months, when there is less natural sunlight. This condition is called Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD. SAD generally lifts during spring and summer. Not everyone with SAD has the same symptoms, but they may include:

Sad, anxious or “empty” feelings

Feelings of hopelessness and/or pessimism

Feelings of guilt, worthlessness or helplessness

Irritability, restlessness

Loss of interest or pleasure in activities you used to enjoy

Fatigue and decreased energy

Difficulty concentrating, remembering details and making decisions

Difficulty sleeping or oversleeping

Changes in weight

Thoughts of death or suicide