Depression is a common but serious mental illness typically marked by sad or anxious feelings. Untreated depression lasts for a long time and interferes with your day-to-day activities.

Symptoms of depression:

• Feelings of sadness, anxious, emptiness, hopelessness, guilt.
• Feelings of worthlessness, helplessness, irritability, and restlessness.
• Loss of interest in activities.
• Lack of energy.
• Problems concentrating, remembering information, or making decisions.
• Problems with sleeping: too much, too little, or staying awake.
• Loss of appetite or eating too much.
• Thoughts of suicide or suicide attempts.
• Aches, pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems that do not go away.

Depression does not have one single cause but several factors usually lead to depression. Your environment such as your surroundings or life experiences, genetics, and stressful situations can trigger depression.

What can you do to help someone with depression?

• Encourage them to seek help from a doctor, counselor, or therapist.
• Offer emotional support, understanding, patience, and encouragement.
• Talk to your friend and listen carefully.
• Never discount their feelings and offer hope.
• Never ignore comments about suicide.

If you or someone you know may have symptoms of depression, K & K Counseling can be of assistance.