Depression

Although everyone feels sad from time to time, what is clinically called a major depression refers to a more pervasive mood change and also typically includes changes in thinking and behavior. Having a major depression is very different than being sad. People who have depression usually see everything with a more negative attitude. They cannot imagine that any problem or situation will get better.

Depression is diagnosed when a person feels discouraged, sad, hopeless, unmotivated or disinterested in life in general – and it lasts for more than two weeks. Feelings interfere with daily activities, such as taking care of family, spending time with friends, or going to work or school.

Symptoms

• Difficulty concentrating, remembering details, and making decisions
• Fatigue and decreased energy
• Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, and/or helplessness
• Feelings of hopelessness and/or pessimism
• Insomnia, early-morning wakefulness, or excessive sleeping
• Irritability, restlessness
• Loss of interest in activities or hobbies once pleasurable
• Overeating or appetite loss
• Persistent aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems that do not ease even with treatment
• Persistent sad, anxious, or “empty” feelings
• Thoughts of suicide, suicide attempts

Treatment
Silver Hill Hospital treats teens and adults who need treatment for depression. After an evaluation patients are placed on our inpatient unit for crisis stabilization and/or medication management. After inpatient treatment some patients move on to our 28-day transitional living program.

Resources

• U.S. National Library of Medicine: Major Depression
• 100 Questions and Answers about Depression, Ava Albrecht, M.D.
• On the Edge of Darkness: Conversations about Conquering Depression, Kathy Cronkite
• The Mindful Way through Depression: Freeing Yourself from Chronic Unhappiness, J. Mark Williams