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Mental Health & Stress Management
Recognizing the Signs of Depression
Depression affects more than 19 million Americans each year. Only
about half of them seek help. How do you know if you have a passing
case of the “blues,” or are facing clinical depression?
Here are some signs:
- Persistent sad, anxious or “empty” mood
- Changes in sleep pattern
- Reduced appetite and weight loss, or increased appetite and weight gain
- Loss of pleasure in once-enjoyable activities, including sex
- Restlessness, irritability
- Persistent physical symptoms that do not respond to treatment, such as chronic pain or digestive disorders
- Difficulty concentrating at school or at work, or difficulty remembering things or making decisions
- Fatigue or loss of energy
- Feeling guilty, hopeless or worthless
- Thoughts of suicide or death
If you experience five or more of these symptoms for two weeks or longer, you could have clinical depression. See a doctor or mental health professional right away. If you or someone you care about is suicidal, call 9-1-1. You will be immediately connected with a crisis center in your area.
For non-emergencies, call the 24-hour nurse line, Informed Health Line, at 1-800-556-1555. Through the 24-hour nurse line, you have immediate access to free, confidential, around-the-clock information.
Or you can use your Employee
Assistance Program (EAP).