| Depression is indicated if a number of symptoms | | | | apparent reason. |
| persist for more than a couple of weeks and are | | | | Without appropriate help, the symptoms of |
| severe enough to interfere with the ability to carry | | | | depression can continue indefinitely so it is important |
| out normal routines. Some of the more common | | | | to seek advice as early as possible. On the positive |
| symptoms include a lack of pleasure in things you | | | | side, depression can be treated, but the very nature |
| once enjoyed, low moods, sadness, mood swings, | | | | of depression can make it difficult to admit there is a |
| feelings of hopelessness and despair, negative | | | | problem in the first place and to get the right help in |
| thoughts, lethargy, sleep disturbances, anxiety, | | | | order to get well. The following represents some of |
| pessimism, changes in appetite, avoidance of social | | | | the more widely available forms of help for |
| contact, irritability, and emotional outbursts for no | | | | depression. |