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Myths What is depression? We’re here to help Mental illness is not: Most of us have endured depression-like feelings at some time. A major life event Mercy Options Behavioral Health Clinic-Janesville Hopeless like divorce, a sudden trauma like being in 903 Mineral Point Ave. a car accident, or a serious illness like Something to fear Janesville, WI 53548 cancer, can bring about a loss of energy Outpatient and concentration, feelings of hopeless - Untreatable (608) 756-5555 ness and sadness, or changes in eating or (800) 341-1450 Something you have to justify sleeping habits. Symptoms can vary from Outpatient Addictions to others one person to the next but if you’ve been (608) 756-5555 feeling down for more than two weeks and Addictions Day Treatment A personal deficit this “black cloud” is interfering with your (608) 756-6545 daily life, you may be clinically depressed. WINGS Weakness (608) 756-6530 A depressive disorder isn’t the same as Failure Mercy Hospital and Trauma Center a passing blue mood, and isn’t a sign of 1000 Mineral Point Ave. personal weakness. It cannot be willed Something to be ashamed about Janesville, WI 53548 away and it isn’t a state of mind. Depression Inpatient Psychiatric and Something you have to go signals chemical changes in the brain. Detoxification Unit through alone Without treatment, symptoms can last (608) 756-6508 for weeks or years. Something to leave untreated Depression is quite common. Approximately Mercy Options Something that discriminates against 16 percent of Americans will have it during Behavioral Health Services age, race, social status, religion or sex their lifetime. It affects men and women of all ages, from children to elderly adults.

#6124827_11/13 Causes Types of mood disorders – Also known as manic • Changes in sleeping patterns, from depression, bipolar disorder is characterized to oversleeping Causes are as different as the individuals Major depression – This has a combination by sometimes-dramatic mood changes, from • Loss of interest in sex who suffer from depression. There is usually of symptoms that can hinder your ability to highs () to lows (depression). Mercy no one cause, but often a combination of work, eat, sleep, have fun or study. Major • Persistent physical symptoms that Options publishes a separate informational factors. depression, while disabling, may occur only don’t respond to treatment; for brochure on bipolar disorder. once, or more commonly, several times in example, headaches, digestive Family history – Depression can run in a lifetime. disorders or chronic pain – Symptoms mimic those of families for generations. • Feelings of isolation major depression but are much less severe. Major depression has at least five or more • Thoughts of suicide or death This long-term, chronic depression doesn’t Trauma and – The breakup of a rela - of the following symptoms in a two-week disable but keeps one from truly enjoying tionship, death of a loved one or financial period: life. People with dysthymia often experience problems can bring on depression. But even • Depressed mood most of the day, Steps to help yourself an occasional major depression. seemingly positive life changes like starting nearly every day Do your best to remain active – Choose a new job or getting married can be followed • Little interest, or no pleasure at all, in General symptoms an activity you enjoy and make it part of by depression. all or almost all activities your regular routine. • Significant weight loss or gain If you experience any of these symptoms nearly every day for more than two weeks, Pessimistic personality – People with low • Increase or decrease in appetite Avoid being alone too much – Seek out self-esteem, a negative outlook or who are you may have depression: • Sleep disturbances family and friends you can talk to and easily overwhelmed by stress are at higher • Constant feelings of downheartedness, who will listen. risk for depression. However, these traits • Restlessness or agitation sadness or emptiness may be caused by low-level depression • or loss of energy • Cry easily Do not set difficult goals or take on (dysthymia). • Feelings of worthlessness • Little interest or pleasure in daily added responsibility – Break larger • Excessive or inappropriate guilt activities and hobbies tasks into smaller ones that you can Physical conditions – Serious medical • Difficulty thinking, concentrating • Everything feels like an effort accomplish. conditions like cancer, heart disease or or making decisions • No pleasure or joy in anything AIDS often bring on stress and physical Avoid making major life decisions – Try • Thoughts of death or suicide • Loss of energy or tiredness for no reason weakness that can lead to depression. taking it one day at a time. Depression can also be a side effect of • Feelings of guilt or worthlessness Postpartum depression – Symptoms similar medication. Recent research shows that • Indecisiveness and trouble concentrating Go easy on yourself – Don’t expect too physical changes in the body can be to those of a major depression can appear or remembering from a few weeks to almost a year after giv - much, too fast. Treat yourself with kind - accompanied by mental changes as well. • Restless and easily annoyed or irritated ing birth, and can interfere with a mother’s ness and respect. ability to bond with her baby. Postpartum • Persistent negative and/or disturbing Other disorders – Depression is often thoughts Follow your doctor’s orders – Take your accompanied by disorders, eating depression must be addressed immediately. • Changes in appetite, with significant medication as prescribed, eat right and disorders, and substance Unlike postpartum depression, the “baby weight loss or gain keep your appointments. abuse. blues” tend to occur within days of birth and resolve spontaneously.