Plain Talk About...
Depression
WHAT IS A DEPRESSIVE DISORDER?
A depressive disorder is a "whole-body" illness, involving your body, mood, and thoughts. It affects the way you eat and sleep, the way you feel about yourself, and the way you think about things. A depressive disorder is not the same as a passing blue mood. It is not a sign of personal weakness or a condition that can be willed or wished away. People with a depressive illness cannot merely "pull themselves together" and get better. Without treatment, symptoms can last for weeks, months, or years. Appropriate treatment, however, can help most people who suffer from depression.
Symptoms of Depression and Mania
Diagnostic
Evaluation and Treatment
Recommended Books on Depression
If you are in crisis or you know someone else who is, it is very important that you get help immediately!
If the crisis involves harm to you or to another person, phone 911 for immediate assistance.
If talking to someone right now would be helpful and you live in the United States, phone 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433). If you live in another country, log onto www.suicide-helplines.org.
