May is Mental Health Awareness Month

What is Depression?

Depression is a serious medical illness; it’s not something that you have made up in your head. It’s more than just feeling "down in the dumps" or "blue" for a few days. It’s feeling "down" and "low" and "hopeless" for weeks at a time.

What are the signs and symptoms of depression?

People with depressive illnesses do not all experience the same symptoms. The severity, frequency and duration of symptoms will vary depending on the individual and his or her particular illness.

Symptoms include:

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  Persistent sad, anxious or "empty" feelings


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  Feelings of hopelessness and/or pessimism


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  Feelings of guilt, worthlessness and/or helplessness


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  Irritability, restlessness


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  Loss of interest in activities or hobbies once pleasurable, including sex


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  Fatigue and decreased energy


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  Difficulty concentrating, remembering details and making decisions


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  Insomnia, early–morning wakefulness, or excessive sleeping


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  Overeating, or appetite loss


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  Thoughts of suicide, suicide attempts


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  Persistent aches or pains, headaches, cramps or digestive problems that do not ease even with treatment

A Thank you goes to:

Liz Steele, RN, BSN
Health Promotions Nursing Coordinator
Pitt County Public Health Center

Source: National Institute of Mental Health