Depression is a very common mental illness. In 2016, it is estimated that 16.2 million adults in the United States, or about 6.7 percent, had at least one major depressive episode.
Depression symptoms can range from mild to severe. They can be chronic or one-time episodes caused by traumatic life events such as a family member’s death or illness, the end of a marriage, or financial difficulty.
Depression symptoms include:
- Reduced interest in normally pleasurable activities.
- Insomnia or an increased desire to sleep.
- A lack of appetite or an increased desire to eat, resulting in weight loss or gain.
- Agitation, irritability, or a lack of energy and fatigue.
- Difficulty concentrating and attending to routine tasks.
- A negative self-image.
- Suicidal ideation.
Start small if the thought of doing anything seems overwhelming. Establish small, manageable goals. As you achieve these goals, you can start adding more on top of them until you have completed all of your objectives. Here are a few ideas to get you started.
- Get out of bed and out of your PJs.
- Take a walk.
- Get your hands dirty to improve your mood.
- Avoid overscheduling.
- Stay away from negativity.
- Maintain a routine.
- Make new friends.
- Establish a support network.
- Get enough rest.
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