Depression is one of the most common mental health disorders.

Depression is a very real and treatable illness.

However, withclinical depression, there doesn’t necessarily have to be a reason for how you feel.

Depression, however, is an illness with many symptoms that extend well beyond an unhappy mood.

Signs of depressioninclude:

Unfortunately, it’s possible for you to’t just snap yourself out of depression.

If you recognize these signs, seek help from a mental health professional.

If it is your child, speak with a pediatrician or mental health professional.

Your treatment should be tailored to best suit your symptoms and overall health.

A combination of psychotherapy, medication, and lifestyle changes is often used to help alleviate symptoms of depression.

Therapy can help you better identify, understand, and learn how to cope with your depression symptoms.

If a medication you’ve been prescribed isn’t working, let your mental health professional know.

Finding relief from your depression symptoms may require changing the dosage or trying a new medication.

Talk with your mental health professional to learn which changes may be best for you.

Many of thewarning signs of suicideare also signs of depression.

Proper depression diagnosis and treatment are extremely important for preventing suicidal thoughts,ideations, or actions.

If you are having suicidal thoughts, contact theNational Suicide Prevention Lifelineat988for support and assistance from a trained counselor.

If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911.

For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.

This can provide a better picture of what to expect and make you a better-informed patient or caregiver.

Set up an appointment with a medical doctor or mental health professional.

They may be able to connect you with area resources that specialize in depression diagnosis or treatment.

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