Each Month I am assigned to work the phones at the office for people who are dealing with Depression. Help is available call 800-662-HELP! As we deal with job loss, financial issues, family issues, help is available. Here are some questions to consider asking when you call a depression hotline:

What are some common symptoms of depression? Do I actually have depression, or am I just sad? Will I feel like this for the rest of my life? Is it possible to have more than one mental illness at a time? What can I do to start feeling better? What should I expect when I seek treatment? What levels of treatment are there for depression? What type of therapy or medication can help me resolve my depression? Will I have to be on medication for the rest of my life? Will insurance cover the cost of treatment? If I don't have insurance, how much will treatment cost? Are there any free or low-cost resources in my community? What should I do next? Watching a loved one struggle with depression can be just as difficult and frustrating as experiencing it firsthand. Family members may feel helpless or even give up trying to help their loved one. It is important for family and friends to know that resources are available for them as well. Call 800-662-HELP Today! Calling a depression hotline can help you answer the following questions:

How can I tell if someone I love is dealing with depression? Should I confront this person, or is there another way I can start the conversation? How can I show my support? Are there any support groups for family and friends of people with depression? What options do I have if I fear that my loved one is at risk of hurting themselves or someone else? What Is Depression?

Depression does not have to be a life sentence, even though a person experiencing a depressive episode might feel like it is.Many life events can leave us feeling sad or down, but depression is different than just being sad. Situational sadness becomes depression when it lasts longer than 2 weeks, when you experience it for most of the day nearly every day, when your symptoms are distressing, and when you experience a negative impact in one or more areas of your life.

Depression can affect your ability to function at work, school, or home and can reduce your motivation to engage in social and recreational activities.1–3 Common symptoms of depression include:1–3

Feeling sad, anxious, empty, hopeless, helpless, worthless, guilty, or generally pessimistic. Feeling more irritable than normal. Not doing the things you used to enjoy because you have no interest and/or motivation. Feeling easily fatigued or generally lacking energy. Experiencing changes in your sleep and/or appetite. Having difficulty thinking, making decisions, concentrating, or remembering things. Having an increase in physical ailments with no medical reason or evidence as to why. Thinking of death or suicide. Depression does not have to be a life sentence, even though a person experiencing a depressive episode might feel like it is. There are treatments that have proven effective, and people with depression typically find relief from a combination of psychotherapy and medication. #depression #help