Do you know the signs of depression?

It's an unfortunate fact that millions of Americans each year suffer from symptoms of depression without even realizing it or without seeking help. A study in the Journal of the American Medical Association reveals that as many as 14 million American adults, about one in six of us, have an episode of major depression each year.

The good news is that depression, like many other mental health conditions including anxiety, is highly treatable, and help is widely available. The first step is learning the symptoms and knowing if you're at risk:

Signs & Symptoms of Teen/Adult Depression
Everyone has a blue mood from time to time, but if you experience one or more of the following for several weeks, talk with your physician, who can rule out physical causes, and/or consult a mental health professional to see if you would benefit from therapy.

• Sadness or hopelessness, tearfulness or frequent crying
• Irritability, anger, hostility, or acting out
• Withdrawal from coworkers, friends and family
• Problems at work or school
• Loss of interest or enjoyment in activities, lack of enthusiasm and motivation
• Changes in eating and sleeping habits; unintended weight change
• Low self-esteem, carelessness about appearance
• Extreme sensitivity to criticism
• Unexplained aches and pains, restlessness and agitation
• Feelings of worthlessness and guilt
• Fatigue or lack of energy, sluggishness
• Difficulty concentrating and making decisions
• Preoccupation with death or suicide.

Free Depression Screenings at CIP: All through the month of October, CIP will provide free confidential screenings and mental health assessments at our offices in downtown San Rafael. Additional therapy sessions are available on a sliding scale. Please phone (415) 459-5999 x 102 for more information.