Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

Depression is a medical condition that affects millions of people.

There are several types of depression, and the symptoms vary among individuals. Here are some of the symptoms that someone with depression may experience:

• Feeling sad or empty: Mood changes are one of the most common symptoms of depression. A person who has depression may feel sad or low for extended periods of time.

• Feeling hopeless or helpless: Depression can make people feel hopeless because there is no foreseeable end to how they are feeling. The person may also feel helpless and they may say or think that no one can help them get better and that they will always feel depressed.

• Feeling worthless: A person with depression may feel as though they are worthless or that their life has no meaning.

• Feeling excessively guilty: Guilt is a normal reaction after a person says or does something that they regret, but people with depression may have ongoing feelings of guilt for no reason.

•No interest or pleasure in activities: Some people with depression lose interest in things or activities they used to enjoy.

• Anger and irritability: A person with depression may seem to be angry with others (or the world). They may become easily annoyed and irritated.

• Difficulty concentrating, remembering and making decisions: Depression can interfere with a person’s cognitive abilities. They may have trouble focusing or concentrating on personal or professional matters. They may also find it difficult to make decisions, even those involving seemingly minor, everyday choices. People with depression may also find that they cannot remember things as well as they did previously.

• Trouble “switching off” the brain: People with depression may have persistent negative thoughts that they find hard to stop. They may find it difficult to control their worries.

• Thoughts of death or suicide: A person with depression may think more about death and dying. They may also think about suicide and how they could end their life.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, seek help from either your primary physician or a mental health professional. Depression is a medical condition that can be treated effectively.

If you are living with depression, and would like extra support, I may be reached at gottahavehope38@gmail.com or by letter at 1258 Randall St., Apt 125, Winona, MN, 55987. I am also available Fridays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Peer Support Network (420 East Sarnia St., Winona, MN.).

Mark Jacobson
peer support specialist
Winona