Depression
What is Depression?
Depression can be:
• 
A psychological
reaction to early life experiences.
• A learned behavioral style.
• A biochemical disorder.
(Alcohol, illegal drugs, prescription drugs, or a combination or these can also
create negative side effects.)
• A genetic behavioral trait.
• A complex condition that may be shadowed with fear and shame messages.
Symptoms of Depression
Answer the following with “almost always”, “sometimes”, or “never”.
Attitude
• I am slowing
down in general.
• I neglect my responsibilities.
• I neglect my appearance.
• I have a loss of appetite.
• I am agitated.
• I am overactive, but do not get much done.
• I have poor memory. I am unable to concentrate.
• I am irritable.
Feelings/Perceptions
• I do not
or cannot identify my feelings and emotions.
• I am unable to find pleasure in anything.
• I have a feeling of hopelessness.
• I do not feel that I am in control.
• I have a loss of sexual desire.
• I have a loss of warm feelings from my family.
• I have a loss of warm feelings from my friends.
• I blame myself for many things.
• I feel guilty.
• I have low self-esteem.
• I seriously think about suicide.
Physical
• I have difficulty
sleeping.
• I sleep too much.
• I am always tired.
• I lack energy.
• I have dry mouth.*
• I have an upset stomach.*
• I have rapid heartbeats.*
•I have backaches.*
• I have pounding heartbeats.*
• I have other similar physical complaints.*
*Not due to injury or other explainable physical causes.
Everyone has some
of these symptoms at one time or another. When these
symptoms dominate your life, then its time to seek a professional.
What Can I Do About My Depression?
For the “blues”,
examine your feelings. A person experiences at least one of
these feelings at any given time:
• sad
• mad
• glad
• afraid
• ashamed
• hurt
Unload these feelings in a responsible, non-blaming way. Talk things over with
a
trusted person. Be sure to affirm your self worth. Everyone has strengths and
qualities.
Exercise. Take a break. By caring for yourself first, you’ll then have
the strength to
care for others. Relax!
For Longer-Lasting Depression
See a physician to make sure you are physically healthy. Consult your Employee Assistance Program.