May is Mental Health Awareness Month!

What is Depression?

Depressive disorder is more than just feeling sad or going through a rough patch. It’s a serious mental health condition that requires understanding and medical care.  Some will only experience one depressive episode in a lifetime, but for most, depressive disorder recurs. Without treatment, episodes may last a few months to several years.

Symptoms

Depressive disorder changes how one functions day-to-day, and typically lasts more than two weeks. Common symptoms include:

• Changes in sleep
• Changes in appetite
• Lack of concentration
• Loss of energy
• Lack of interest in activities
• Hopelessness or guilty thoughts
• Changes in movement (less activity or agitation)
• Physical aches and pains
• Suicidal thoughts

Causes

Depression does not have a single cause. It can be triggered by a life crisis, physical illness or something else—but it can also occur spontaneously. Scientists believe several factors can contribute to depression:

• Trauma
• Genetics
• Life circumstances
• Brain changes
• Other medical conditions

Treatments

Although depressive disorder can be a devastating illness, it often responds to treatment. The key is to get a specific evaluation and treatment plan. Safety planning is important for individuals who have suicidal thoughts. Treatment plans can include any or a combination of the following:

• Psychotherapy
• Medications
• Exercise 
• Brain stimulation therapies
• Light therapy

Well In Mind is here for you.  Call 815-933-2240 to schedule an appointmentor to ask about your EAP benefits.