LIVEWELL MINUTE: Depression

People of all ages, races, ethnic groups and social classes get depression. In fact, 1 in 5 Americans will become depressed sometime in their lifetime.

Sylvia Low, Iowa Health Therapist, explains depression, “Depression is very common, especially here in the Northern Hemisphere, northern part of the United States. But we usually have a common sadness or gloominess that comes and goes throughout our life. However when it lasts two weeks or longer then we re very concerned.”

Some symptoms of depression include:

• Prolonged sadness
• Significant changes in appetite and sleep patterns
• Irritability, anger, worry, agitation, anxiety
• Feelings of worthlessness
• Social withdrawal
• Recurring thoughts of death or suicide

Low says, “Don t be afraid to ask for help. Depression is very common and the sooner you get the evaluation and deal with it the sooner you can get on with life.”