September Series 03 - About Depression

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Mental Health Awareness - 03
I’ve decided to start a bit of a series on some mental health topics to raise awareness.  If you haven’t read my story, feel free to read it at: http://hanmichelleb.blogspot.com/2017/08/my-mental-health-story-so-far.html

03: What is Depression?  General Information.

Kinds of Depression:
  • Major Depressive Disorder
  • Persistent Depressive Disorder
  • Bipolar Depression Disorder
  • Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
Different types of depression have varying severity and symptoms.  
Overall, these symptoms are typically present with depression:
  • Apathy, general discontent, guilt, loss of interest, sadness, mood swings
  • Hopelessness, anxiety
  • Agitation, excessive crying, irritability, restlessness
  • Social isolation
  • Sleepiness, insomnia, restless sleep
  • Lack of concentration
  • Slowness
  • Weight gain or loss due to overeating or lack of appetite
  • Repeating depressing, intrusive thoughts
  • Thoughts of suicide
Any number of things can cause depression.  
Here is a depression screening:

If you’ve been experiencing extreme sadness for 2 weeks, you should go in and visit your doctor.

If you have thoughts of suicide, you should see a doctor immediately.  
This is a great article over how to talk to your physician about depression:
Today’s extra article to read - from The Mighty, a list of things people with depression wished other people would know:



If you are ever in a crisis, here are some numbers to know (in the US):
9-1-1 (Yes, this is an option!)
National Suicide Hotline/AFSP: Call 1-800-273-8255
CRISIS TEXT LINE: Text HOME to 741-741
Others:
Boys Town Suicide Prevention: 800-448-3000
HopeLine: 919-231-4525
The Trevor Project: 212-695-8650
Trans Lifeline: 877-565-8860
The Veterans Crisis Line: 1-800-273-8255 Press 1

Deaf/Hard of Hearing:  Lifeline via TTY by dialing 800-799-4889

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