Are you feeling really sad, tired, and worried most of the time? Are these feelings lasting more than a few days? If yes, you may have depression. Depression is not just in your head. Everyone, at various times in life, feels sad. This is normal. Depression is not a character flaw or sign of personal weakness. You can't make yourself well by trying to "snap out of it" or "lighten up".

To understand what depression is, it's important to recognize the symptoms: If you have several of these symptoms don't wait talk to your doctor about how you are feeling.

• I am really sad most of the time.
• I don't enjoy doing the things I've always enjoyed doing.
• I don't sleep well at night and am very restless.
• I am always tired. I find it hard to get out of bed.
• I don't feel like eating much.
• I feel like eating all the time.
• I have lots of aches and pains that don't go away.
• I have little to no sexual energy.
• I find it hard to focus and am very forgetful.
• I am mad at everybody and everything.
• I feel upset and fearful, but can't figure out why.
• I don't feel like talking to people.
• I feel like there isn't much point to living, nothing good is going to happen to me.
• I don't like myself very much. I feel bad most of the time.
• I think about death a lot. I even think about how I might kill myself.

It is important to understand that depression is a real illness. But, there is hope. Depression is treatable and you can feel better. There are two common types of treatment for depression: medicine and talk therapy ask your doctor which is best for you. Many people find that support groups, as an option in addition to other treatments, provide a beneficial boost during the recovery phase. Support groups provide a mutual acceptance, understanding and self-discovery. Support groups help people under that mood disorders do not define who they are. Support groups also give people the opportunity to benefit from the experiences of those who have "been there."

Depression Information Fact Sheets - Free Information

In order to better serve the public, MHACC provides an information and referral service. We provide fact sheets and brochures on various mental health issues, as well as referrals to a broad range of local services and support groups. Please click on any of the subjects below to download a MHACC fact sheet on that subject on PDF format. (link to adobe reader)

If you would like single copies of our brochures or referrals to local mental health services, please call 1-239-261-5405.

Co-Occurrence of Depression with Medical, Psychiatric, and Substance Abuse Disorders

• Bipolar Disorder
• Dysthymia
• Holiday Depression & Stress
• Bipolar Disorder and Children
• Depression and Children