Everyone feels sad sometimes, but being sad is not the same things as being depressed.  Sadness is an emotion; depression is a state of being that includes feelings of helplessness, hopelessness, and being overwhelmed. A person does not have to be suicidal to be depressed.

Symptoms of depression include:

Not being able to sleep or sleeping too much

Loss of interest in daily activities, hobbies, interests, and perhaps even sex

Loss of energy, fatigue (others may call it laziness) 

Feelings of hopelessness or helplessness

Feelings of restlessness and irritability

Problems with concentration. Difficulty in focusing or concentrating on work, school or other things that you use do with ease but now feel is much more difficult

Inability to control negative thoughts from entering your head, no matter how hard you try

Loss of appetite or you can’t stop eating

Increased irritability or shorter tempered than usual

In severe cases, a person with depression may even feel that life is not worth living. If this is the case please call and speak with someone immediately.

If you are experiencing symptoms of depression or sadness, Dr. Laura can help.