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Live and Work Well

Prevention Program for Depression

What is Depression?

Depression is a common and serious medical illness that causes symptoms lasting more than two weeks. The symptoms of depression include:

  • Feelings of sadness or emptiness nearly every day
  • Loss of interest or pleasure nearly every day
  • Weight loss or gain when you're not dieting
  • Sleeping too much or too little nearly every day
  • Feeling restless or slowed down nearly every day
  • Not having as much energy as you used to nearly every day
  • Feeling bad about yourself or guilty for no reason nearly every day
  • Having trouble thinking, concentrating or making decisions nearly every day
  • Having recurrent thoughts of death or thinking of killing yourself or others

What Causes Depression?

Depression is caused by the interaction of chemicals in the brain that control mood, stressful life events, and the way a person understands and copes with stress.

What You Can do if You Think You're Depressed?

Depression is treated with medications and/or counseling, and most people respond well to care, especially when depression is identified early and properly treated.

In an emergency, go to the nearest Emergency Room or call 911.