Depression is Real

Are you feeling depressed or wondering if what you are experiencing is depression?

Depression is real. It isn’t something that is just all in your head. You are not faking it to get attention and it isn’t as simple as thinking positive thoughts. Depression is a mood disorder that can result from biological factors, your environment, and life transitions. It can range from sadness in one person to anger in another. Depression leaves us feeling overwhelmed, unmotivated, and helpless. The symptoms can cause a decline in your work performance, connections with others, and your personal quality of life. Depression is an isolating experience. It’s not uncommon to hold back from talking to others about it. This is often done out of shame or because you don’t want to place your “problems” on to someone else. This is far from the truth as most loved ones want to be there for you. Depression is one of the most commonly diagnosed mental illnesses, impacting more than 19 million people in America. You are not alone.

Signs you may be experiencing depression

• Persistent sadness or feeling like there’s a dark cloud over you

• Low energy, lack of motivation, and hopelessness

• Little interest in activities or things you once enjoyed

• Detachment from yourself and others

• Concentration difficulties, irritability, or anger

• Significant changes in your sleep and appetite

• Thoughts or attempts to harm yourself

• Difficulty with identify