Depression

Depression is a mood disorder. It’s more than just a feeling of being “down in the dumps” or “blue” for a few days. If you are one of the approximately 25 million adults and youth in the United States who have depression, this does not just go away. Depression can persist and interfere with your everyday life, affecting your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. But help is available, and there are effective treatments.

Depression has a variety of causes, including genetic, biological, environmental/situational, and psychological factors. It can occur at any age, but it often begins in teens and young adults. Depression can be experienced in episodes, spanning different amounts of time for different people, and it can range from mild to severe.

Symptoms include:

Sadness
Loss of interest or pleasure in activities that you used to enjoy
Change in weight
Difficulty sleeping, or oversleeping
Irritability (especially for men
Loss of energy
Unexplained physical problems
Feelings of worthlessness
Feelings of hopelessness
Thoughts of death or suicide

There are effective treatments for depression, which may include antidepressants and talk therapy. Many people get better by using both. If you are noticing that your depression is interfering with day-to-day activities and relationships, it may be time to reach out to a mental health professional or your doctor.

If you or someone you know is in crisis, call the local SummitStone Crisis Center at 970-494-4200, ext. 4. Or call 1-844-493-TALK (8255) or text TALK to 38255. In a life-threatening emergency, call 911.

For more information

Anxiety and Depression Association of America: adaa.org

Mental Health America: mhanational.org/conditions/depression

National Institute of Mental Health: nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/depression/index.shtml

Local resources

If you or someone you care about is struggling with mental health or substance use concerns, Connections can help. Some services are free, and some are available on a sliding-scale basis.

The behavioral health specialists at Connections Adult Services can answer your questions; provide assessment, referrals to community providers, and other treatment options; and support you along the way. Call 970-221-5551.

Child, Adolescent, and Young Adult Connections (CAYAC) serves Larimer County youth through age 18, as well as their families. Our goal is the early identification and treatment of mental health and substance use disorders. Call 970-221-3308; services by appointment.