About Depression

Print the full article here!

What is depression?

• Everyone feels sad about things sometimes.
• Depression is when someone feels sad most of the time.
• Depression can last a long time.
• Depression does not always go away by itself.
• Depression makes it hard to enjoy friends and activities.

Depression can happen for many reasons.

• Depression can start when something bad happens, like:
  • Someone you love dies
  • You get sick
  • You are abused
  • You break up with someone or get a divorce
  • You fight with friends or family
• Depression can run in families.

Other things in life can lead to depression:

• A long illness
• Problems in your family
• Problems with money
• Problems at work
• Drug or alcohol abuse
• Having a hard time making friends

People act differently when they are depressed.

• Someone who is depressed may:
  • Cry a lot
  • Look sad or angry all the time
  • Yell, scream or swear a lot
  • Sleep a lot or not at all
  • Eat a lot or very little
  • Lose or gain weight
  • Stop liking things he or she used to like
  • Spend more time alone
  • Move around all the time or not at all
  • Begin talking about death or about people who have died
  • Not be able to do anything for very long
  • Stop taking care of himself or herself
  • Stop seeing friends

Depression can lead to suicide.

• People who are depressed may try to hurt themselves.
• People who are depressed may try to end their own lives.
• If you start thinking about death or about hurting yourself, tell someone right away.
• Learn how to prevent suicide.

What can you do if you or someone you know is depressed?

• Tell someone how you feel. Talk to a family member, friend, or support provider.
• Visit a doctor – especially if depression gets in the way of everyday life.
• The doctor may suggest you see a counselor.
  • A counselor will talk with you about how you feel.
  • The doctor may give you medicine to help you feel better.

How can someone with depression feel better?

• Talking is a good way to show feelings of sadness and do something about them.
• Spending time with family and friends may help you feel better about yourself.
• Join a support or advocacy group to talk with other people.
• Don’t make big decisions (for example, moving or quitting a job).
• Do fun activities or hobbies.
• Set a goal for every day. Make it simple – like calling a friend or doing exercise.
• Exercise is a great way to feel better. Just walking can help.
• Use positive thinking and say positive things to yourself about yourself.
• Follow your doctor’s plan closely. Take medicine they give you. Visit a counselor if they tell you to.

You can get help if you or someone you know is depressed.

• If you feel depressed and can ask for help… ASK!
• Sometimes, a person can only show they are depressed by how they act.
• If someone you know doesn’t use words and seems depressed, tell the people who care for him or her.

Learn more about depression

• Depression and Disability: A Practical Guide
• Let’s Talk About Depression
• Depression in People with Intellectual Disabilities
• Read about counseling and therapy