Depression
Key Facts:
- Only one out of three people with depression seeks help.
- Treatment for depression is successful in 80% of people who suffer from this illness.
- Recognizing symptoms of depression is the key to improving life for the more than 17 million Americans affected by depressive illness annually.
Symptoms of Depression Include:
- Persistent sad or "empty" mood
- Loss of interest or pleasure in ordinary activities, including sex
- Decreased energy, fatigue, being "slowed down"
- Sleep disturbances (insomnia, early-morning waking, or oversleeping)
- Eating disturbances (loss of appetite and weight, or weight gain)
- Difficulty concentrating, remembering, making decisions
- Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, helplessness
- Thoughts of death or suicide; suicide attempts
- Irritability
- Excessive crying
- Chronic aches and pains that don't respond to treatment
Treatment
When four or more of these symptoms last longer than two weeks or interfere with ordinary functioning, professional treatment is needed.
Treatment can include psychotherapy and/or medication. Most people respond to short-term treatment and recover in a few months. A few require hospitalization.
Wake County offers help for people who suffer from depression. Services are provided on a sliding scale for Wake County residents. Please call Crisis and Assessment Services office at 919-250-3133 for further information on how to receive treatment services.