SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

What's the difference between a bad case of the blues and depression? The difference between depression and feeling down is how severe the symptoms are and how long they last. To help you determine if you are depressed, answer these questions.

• Do you often or usually feel sad, anxious or "empty"?
• Do you sleep too little or too much?
• Has your appetite shrunk, and have you lost weight? Or do you have a bigger appetite, and have you gained weight?
• Have you lost interest in activities you once enjoyed?
• Are you restless or irritable?
• Do you have persistent physical symptoms, such as headaches, chronic pain or constipation, that don't respond to treatment?
• Do you have difficulty concentrating, remembering or making decisions?
• Do you often feel tired or have a lack energy?
• Do you feel guilty, hopeless or worthless?
• Do you have recurring thoughts of death or suicide?

If you or a loved one answered yes to three or more of these questions and have felt this way for longer than two weeks, or if the symptoms interfere with your daily routine, please contact us to help determine the best course of action.