According to the National Institute of Mental...
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According to the National Institute of Mental Health, depression produces some--or all--of the following symptoms. Severity varies widely by individual:
* Persistent sad, anxious or “empty” mood.
* Feelings of hopelessness, pessimism.
* Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, helplessness.
* Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities that were once enjoyed, including sex.
* Insomnia, early-morning awakening or oversleeping.
* Diminished appetite and weight loss, or overeating and weight gain.
* Decreased energy, fatigue.
* Thoughts of death or suicide; suicide attempts.
* Restlessness, irritability.
* Difficulty concentrating, remembering or making decisions.
* Persistent physical symptoms that do not respond to treatment, such as headaches, digestive disorders and chronic pain.
For more information on depression, contact:
* National Alliance for the Mentally Ill, 200 N. Glebe Road, Suite 1015, Arlington, VA 22203-3754. (800) 950-NAMI.
* National Depressive and Manic Depressive Assn., 730 N. Franklin, Suite 501, Chicago, IL 60601. (800) 826-3632.
* National Foundation for Depressive Illness Inc., P.O. Box 2257, New York, NY 10016. (800) 248-4344.
* National Mental Health Assn., 1021 Prince St., Alexandria, VA 22314-2971. (800) 969-6642.
