Although hours of daylight have increased and trees are starting to leaf out, the change of seasons can be a hard time for some people. Frequent weather changes and gray days can be tiring. Do you know the symptoms of depression? Do you know the difference between a case of “spring fever” and depression?
Depression is a serious illness than can be deadly. Experts estimate that at least 70 percent of suicides are a result of untreated depression. Untreated depression in adults can also lead to unemployment, financial problems, divorce or substance abuse. In young people, it can cause problems at home, in school and with friendships. Symptoms of depression:
* Difficulty concentrating, remembering or making decisions * Feeling angry or moody, crying easily
* Alcohol or drug use to mask feelings
* Fatigue or loss of energy
* Loss of interest in ordinary activities
* Changes in eating or sleeping patterns
* Persistent physical pains or conditions that don’t respond
to treatment
* Feeling sad, empty or numb
* Feeling helpless, hopeless or worthless
* Thoughts of suicide, suicide plans or attempts
Warning signs of suicide:
* Talking about suicide
* Talking about feeling hopeless, helpless or worthless
* Preoccupation with death
* Suddenly happier, calmer
* Unusual visiting or calling people one cares about
* Making arrangements; setting one’s affairs in order
* Giving things away
* Acquiring guns or stockpiling pills
* Previous suicide attempts
If you have three or more of these symptoms, PLEASE get screened for depression. There are a number of caring, professional Mental Health Practitioners in Cook County with whom you can talk. Contact the Human Development Center at (218) 387-9444 or the Sawtooth Mountain Clinic at (218) 387-2330 to find one who can help you.
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