Depression

Who Gets Depressed?

Everyone feels 'down' or 'low' or 'blue' every once in awhile.  It is a typical and healthy response to the everyday life disappointments, frustrations, separations and losses we all experience.

Depression is more common in women than men, and it can occur at any age.  Depression is very complex and can be difficult to diagnose.

Major Depression

Major depression is diagnosed when someone experiences either of the first two symptoms in the following list, and at least four or more of the other symptoms, continuously over a two-week period and in a way that departs from normal functioning.

• Feeling depressed or sad most of the day

• Loss of interest or ability to derive pleasure from all or nearly all activities that were previously enjoyed

• Significant weight loss when not dieting, or weight gain, or a decrease or increase in appetite nearly every day

• Difficulty sleeping through the night or the need for more sleep during the day

• Noticeably slowed down or agitated throughout the day
• Feeling fatigued or a loss of energy nearly every day

• Feelings of worthlessness or extreme or inappropriate guilt

• Difficulties with concentration or the ability to think, which can also be seen by others as indecisiveness

• Recurrent thought of death or ideas about suicide (with or without a specific plan for committing suicide) or a suicide attempt

Depression can interfere with everyday life and lead to many health problems. If you think that you or someone you care about may be experiencing some of the symptoms listed above, you may want to see Dr. Rodriguez in the Health Clinic or schedule an appointment with a UD Counselor.