• September is... Suicide Awareness Prevention Month

    What is Depression?

    Depression (major depressive disorder) is a common and serious medical illness that negatively affects how you feel, the way you think and how you act. Fortunately, it is also treatable. Depression causes feelings of sadness and/or a loss of interest in activities once enjoyed. It can lead to a variety of emotional and physical problems and can decrease a person’s ability to function at work and at home.

    Taken from the American Psychiatric Association

    Warning Signs & Symptoms:

    • Feeling sad or having a depressed mood
    • Loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed
    • Changes in appetite — weight loss or gain unrelated to dieting
    • Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much
    • Loss of energy or increased fatigue
    • Increase in purposeless physical activity (e.g., hand-wringing or pacing) or slowed movements and speech (actions observable by others)
    • Feeling worthless or guilty
    • Difficulty thinking, concentrating, or making decisions
    • Thoughts of death or suicide

    Taken from the American Psychiatric Association

    How to Find Help:

    Discuss these feelings with a:

    • SAC Counselor (Mrs. Ullom)
    • Guidance Counselor (Ms. Boyd, Ms. Dockins, Mrs. Ragozzino)
    • Child Study Team Member (Mr. Morris, Mrs. Keating)
    • Nurse (Nurse Erin)
    • Teacher
    • Trusted Adult
    • Friend
    • Parent/Guardian

    Seek Outside Resources: