Depression

We all feel down or blue at times. However, if these feelings are very strong or last for a very long time, they may be due to a medical illness – depression.

This illness can be treated, but it is often not recognized by patients and doctors.

Some of the warning signs of depression are listed below. If you have four or more of these warning signs, you should be sure to talk with your doctor or other health care professional about depression.

Depression can also be a secondary illness to a primary diagnosis. Patients who are diagnosed with thyroidism (hypo and hyper), diabetes, heart disease or cancer may be susceptible to depression.

Warning signs of depression

• Feeling sad, hopeless or guilty
• Loss of interest and pleasure in daily activities
• Sleep problems (either too much or too little)
• Fatigue, low energy, or feeling slowed down
• Problems with making decisions or thinking clearly
• Crying a lot
• Changes in appetite or weight (up or down)
• Thoughts of suicide or death

Just remember – When you think all is lost, the future remains.