Depression
Learning Resource
Depression is a natural part of the life experience
but it is not a regular stage in life.
Mood Disorder
Depression is a mood disorder in which a persistent feeling of sadness lasts at least two weeks; during which there is a depressed mood (feeling: sad, hopeless, helpless, discouraged), or the loss of interest, or pleasure in nearly all activities.
There can also be changes in appetite or weight, sleep, and psychomotor activities (physical movement, coordination), decreased energy, feelings of worthlessness, or guilt, difficult thinking-concentrating, or making decisions, or recurrent thoughts of death, or suicidal ideation.
Loss Of Interest
Depressed mood is nearly always characterized by a loss of interest in hobbies, or not feeling any enjoyment in activities that the individual used to find pleasurable.
Just like worry, and anxiety, depression affects your feelings, moods, and behaviors. Depression can lead to a variety of emotional and physical challenges. You may have trouble doing normal day-to day activities, and sometimes you may feel as if life is not worth living.
OLder Adults
Older adult experiencing depression report memory difficulties, or personality changes. Others report fear of going out to socialize, or losing interests to participate in activities they used to enjoy. Fear of falling, or looking stupid, or feeling out of place.
If you are dealing with depression call your doctor; or mental health professional. Depression can be a temporary condition and you don’t have to deal with this alone, there is help available.