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DEPRESSION

Depression is a mood disorder that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest. Also called major depressive disorder or clinical depression, it affects how you feel, think, and behave and can lead to a variety of emotional and physical problems. You may have trouble doing normal day-to-day activities and sometimes feel as if life isn't worth living.
 
More than just a bout of the blues, depression isn't a weakness and you can't simply "snap out" of it. Depression may require long-term treatment. But don't get discouraged. Most people with depression feel better with therapy and sometimes the assistance of medication. Juniper takes great consideration when determining if a referral to a prescribing physician is necessary and prefers to approach your mental health through counseling and more natural alternatives before turning to pharmaceutical interventions. 
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Although depression may occur only once during your life, people typically have multiple episodes.

DURING THESE EPISODES, SYMPTOMS OCCUR MOST OF THE DAY, NEARLY EVERY DAY, AND MAY INCLUDE:

  • Feelings of sadness, tearfulness, emptiness or hopelessness

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  • Angry outbursts, irritability, or frustration, even over small matters

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  • Loss of interest or pleasure in most or all normal activities, such as sex, hobbies or sports

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  • Sleep disturbances, including insomnia or sleeping too much

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  • Tiredness and lack of energy, so even small tasks take extra effort

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  • Reduced appetite and weight loss or increased cravings for food and weight gain

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  • Anxiety, agitation, or restlessness

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  • Slowed thinking, speaking, or body movements

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  • Feelings of worthlessness or guilt, fixating on past failures or self-blame

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  • Trouble thinking, concentrating, making decisions, and remembering things

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  • Frequent or recurrent thoughts of death, suicidal thoughts, suicide attempts or suicide

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  • Unexplained physical problems, such as back pain or headaches

For many people with depression, symptoms are usually severe enough to cause noticeable problems in day-to-day activities, such as work, school, social activities, or relationships with others. Some people may feel generally miserable without really knowing why.

WHEN TO GET EMERGENCY HELP

If you think you may hurt yourself or attempt suicide, call 911 in the U.S. or your local emergency number immediately.

Also, consider these options if you're having suicidal thoughts:

  • Call your doctor or mental health professional.

  • Contact a suicide hotline.

    • In the U.S., call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Or use the Lifeline Chat. Services are free and confidential.

    • U.S. veterans or service members in crisis can call 988 and press “1” for the Veterans Crisis Line—or text 838255. Or chat online.

    • The Suicide & Crisis Lifeline in the U.S. has a Spanish language phone line at 1-888-628-9454 (toll-free).

  • Reach out to a close friend or loved one.

  • Contact a minister, spiritual leader, or someone else in your faith community.

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