Depression Links
Signs and Symptoms of Depression
What to look for if you’re not sure what’s causing you to feel out of sorts.
Depression.
Depression comes in different forms, has many different causes, and affect many people differently. Usually, people experience a sense of being “blue” or sad. They may feel like keeping to themselves, not really wanting to be around other people Irritability may be present or they may be more short-tempered than usual; little things may cause annoyance. Decisions may be more difficult to make and even avoided altogether. Sleeping patterns are also often affected. A person may want to sleep around the clock or they may lay awake in bed, tossing and and turning and be unable to get a peaceful night’s rest. Changes in appetite are frequently experienced, and may involve either increased or decreased food intake. One’s sexual appetite (also known as libido) tends to decline substantially. A person suffering from depression typically loses much of their normal energy and motivation, and may not feel like doing the things they normally would find to be enjoyable. Isolation from others is also common.
Where Does Depression Come From?
Common depression is known to have many possible causes, including hereditary factors, significant personal losses, and even lack of exposure to sunlight. Most often, though, it results from life circumstances that overwhelm a person’s ability to effectively cope with normal, day-to-day events, such as decision-making. The loss of a loved one, losing a job, a severe illness, the breakup of an important relationship, financial loss or debt, can each, or in combination, contribute to the development of depression. Certain physical conditions, such as thyroid problems can also cause symptoms that are very similar to depression, as can deficiencies of certain nutritional substances. Even loneliness can cause depression. All-in-all, depression has numerous causes and can be hard to cure.
Depression Links
- Coping With Depression - Depression is a disturbance in our mood where we may feel particularly unhappy, discouraged, lonely, or negative towards ourselves.
- The Depressed Child - Significant depression probably exists in about 5 percent of children and adolescents in the general population.
- Mood Disorders - A listing of information and resources for parents, practitioners, educators, and researchers
- Depression Talk - Winter Depression (Seasonal Affective Disorder [SAD]) Information Some electronic information about SAD.
- You Asked About...Adolescent Depression -This site is part of "Internet Mental Health," an encyclopedia of mental health information. It includes helpful information about symptoms and treatment for adolescent depression.
- Gay and Bisexual Male Youth Suicidality Problems - A collection of reports that address suicides and suicide attempts among adolescent males who are gay. These teens are an especially at-risk group.
- Suicide Suicides among young people nationwide have increased dramatically in recent years.
- Suicide Fact Sheet Several important facts about teen suicide.
- Teacher Talk 3(2) - This issue of Teacher Talk deals with suicide, depression, eating disorders, and ADD/ADHD. It includes articles, classroom tips, and lesson plans.
