Depression ...

1. Loss of interest in things you normally enjoy.
   
2. Feeling down, depressed, or hopeless. (In children or adolescents, can be irritable mood.)
   
3. Thoughts of death or suicide.
   
4. Feeling worthless or guilty.
   
5. Trouble sleeping (falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking too early) or sleeping too much.
   
6. Unexplained decrease or increase in appetite. (Gained or lost 5 percent of your body weight during the last month.)
   
7. Trouble thinking, concentrating, remembering, and making decisions.
   
8. Feeling tired a lot of the time; having less energy (may be interfering with your ability to work or take care of your daily responsibilities).
   
9. Feeling restless, unable to sit still, or abnormally slowed down in movement or action.

Women experience depression about twice as often as men. hormonal factors such as Mentrual Cycle changes, miscarriage, ;postpartum period, menopause and perimenopause, and stress can all contribute to depression.

Children and teens experience depression: anxiety disorders, ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder), eating disorders, learning disorders, conduct disorder.

Seasonal Affective disorder (SAD) - usually in the fall or winter.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) - sacred and feel life is in damger.

Anger/Hostility - being ready for a fight all the time. stubborn, impatient, hotheaded, or have an 'attitude."

Anxiety - helplessness, confusion, extreme worry, trembling, shaking, feeling of fullness in the throat or chest, breathlessness, rapid heartbeat, sweating or cold, clammy hands, muscle tension, aches, soreness, fatigue, sleep problems, inable to concentrate, etc.

Panic Attacks - similar to heart attack, choking or suffocating, chest pain, mausea, shaling, sweating, pounding of the heart, feeling dizzy or faint.

Phobias - irrational, involuntary fears of specific places, objects, activities, or situations. fear of being alone, or in public places where help might not be available or escape is impossible (agora phobia), fear of situations where mioght be exposed to criticism by others (social phobia), fear of specifc things (speicific phobia)

Bipolar Disorder (Manic Depression) - extreme mood changes, easily distracted, having lots of different ideas quickly, doing things that feel good but have bad outcomes, spending too much, inappropriate sexual activity, foolish business investments, making lots of plans or feeling that you have to keep moving or doing.

Manage a manic episode:

1. Maintain a stable sleep pattern.
2. Stick to a daily routine.
3. Set realistic goals.
4. Do not use alcohol or illegal drugs.
5. Get help from family and friends.
6. Learn to recongnize your early warning signs.
7. Monitor your mood every day.
8. Continue treatment.

Try some of these for depression:

1. Schedule some fun into your day.
2. Reach out, spend time with positive, supportive people.
3. Think Positive. "I am hopeful", "Things will get better," "I can ask for the help I need." Write these statements down and re-read them.
4. Be patient with yourself.
5. Stay active. Regular exercise.
6. Break task into small steps.
7. Unwind. Find some simple ways to relax and reduce stress.
8. Get professional help.
9. Don't give up!

(info from www.kp.org)