Depression is a Treatable Condition

Depression is sometimes perceived as a character flaw, being overly emotional, or just having a bad day. It's not. It's a real condition with treatment options, and real consequences when untreated. 

• Isolation
• Decline in physical health 
• Missed work and lack of job security
• Impaired relationships
• Substance use and addiction
• Suicide

All can be consequences of untreated depression.  Studies show that counseling can be as effective as medication in some cases, and is highly effective in combination with medication. So talk to your doctor and visit a therapist if you have 5 or more of these symptoms:

• Sadness lasting all day almost every day for 2 weeks or more
• Loss of interest lasting all day almost every day for 2 weeks or more
• Appetite changes
• Sleep changes
• Intense guilt
• Difficulty concentrating
• Chronic fatigue
• Feeling physically sped up or slowed down
• Suicidal thoughts and hopelessness