Depression, Self-Harm & Suicidal Thoughts

WHAT IS DEPRESSION?

Depression is a common but serious mood disorder. It causes severe symptoms that affect how you feel, think, and handle daily activities, such as sleeping, eating, or working. To be diagnosed with depression, the symptoms must be present for at least two weeks (NIMH, 2019).

HOW DO I KNOW IF I'M DEPRESSED OR JUST REALLY SAD?

SADNESS...

Is a common feeling of sorrow or unhappiness that only lasts a short period of time. Something may happen that makes you sad, but your reaction is brief and eventually goes away

Examples of somethings that can make us feel sadness:

Getting a bad grade on a test
Having someone or a pet pass away
Missing a friend's birthday party

VS

DEPRESSION...

If you have been experiencing some of the following signs and symptoms most of the day, nearly every day, for at least two weeks, you may be suffering from depression:

Persistent sad, anxious, or “empty” mood
Feelings of hopelessness, or pessimism
Irritability
Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness
Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities
Decreased energy or fatigue
Moving or talking more slowly
Feeling restless or having trouble sitting still
Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions
Difficulty sleeping, early-morning awakening, or oversleeping
Appetite and/or weight changes
Thoughts of death or suicide, or suicide attempts
Aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems without a clear physical cause and/or that do not ease even with treatment

What is SELF-HARM?

Self-harm, or self-injury, means hurting yourself on purpose (ie. cutting, hitting oneself, causing burns, pulling out hair, picking at wounds, etc.).