What is Depression?

Depression is not . . .

Most times when you feel down, you’re not

depressed. Feeling sad or low is a big part of life

and can’t be avoided. When something goes

wrong in your life, whether it’s an argument

with a friend, a bad mark on a test, or a fight

with your parents, your mood might drop.

If you feel especially sad or irritable because of

this situation, sleeping poorly, not wanting to

see your friends, not much appetite or too much

eating, then you’re probably experiencing low

mood. Low mood will typically go away in a

week or two, especially if there’s an improvement

in the situation that started it.

Depression is . . .

But suppose it doesn’t go away and just gets worse.

You might be depressed . . .

L if you feel very low mood or

almost no interest in your life,

every day, and this feeling

continues for at least two

weeks; AND

L if you have other

problems like:

• big changes in weight or

appetite;

• not being able to sleep

enough or sleeping too much;

• feeling that you are always

restless or slowed-down;

• thinking that you are

worthless or guilty;

• feeling really tired most of

the time;

• feeling numb or empty;

• having a lot of trouble

concentrating or making

decisions;

• thinking about death

or suicide.