It’s normal to feel a little down sometimes, but when the feeling lingers for weeks or if it affects the way you live your life, the problem could be more severe.  Depression is one of the most common health conditions in the world; and it is a health condition, not a sign of weakness or something that you can “snap out of” or “just get over.”

So, how do you know if you have depression or just “the blues?”  The symptoms can vary from person to person, but common signs of depression include:

• Loss of interest in usual daily activities
• Feeling sad, hopeless, or worthless
• Crying for no apparent reason
• Difficulty sleeping
• Trouble focusing or concentrating
• Difficulty making decisions
• Irritability or restlessness
• Unintentional weight gain or loss
• Loss of interest in sex
• Unexplained physical problems, such as headaches or back aches
• Thoughts about suicide

Who Gets Depression?
Women are twice as likely to suffer from depression as men.  Depression can occur at any age, but it typically begins in the late 20s.  Scientists haven’t yet identified the exact cause of depression, but they believe that a combination of factors including chemical changes in the brain, a genetic tendency toward the condition, and the particular circumstances of a person’s life all play a role.

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of depression, speak with your doctor.  Treatments are available, and your doctor or Sobeys Pharmacist will be happy to explain them to you.  Signs of depression should not be ignored, as the level of depression may worsen if it isn’t treated.