Depression

Depression is a common but serious medical illness that negatively affects how you feel, think, and act. It has been shown that depression affects about 17.3 million American adults 18 and older. There are many symptoms of depression including,

• Feeling sad
• Loss of interest
• Change in appetite
• Trouble sleeping
• Loss of energy
• Fatigue
• Worthless feeling
• Difficulty concentrating
• Thoughts of death

To be diagnosed with depression these symptoms should last at least 2 weeks. If you do have depression it can be very hard to deal with, here are a few tips to help you cope with your depression.

1. Talk to someone- talking to someone about what you’re going through can be a great way to deal with depression, whether it’s a friend, family member, or even a therapist.
2. Write- try writing down your feelings, being more open about your thoughts can help you to cope with your depression.
3. Boost your self-image- people with depression often have low self-esteem, so spending time trying to boost your self-image is critical. You can do this by practicing positive thinking, healthy eating, exercise, and spending time with friends.
4. Stick to a schedule- maintaining a regular schedule is important for anyone with depression because it helps you to feel more productive and gives your life meaning.