00:00When most people think of depression, they imagine overwhelming sadness, frequent crying or constant despair.
00:07Dr. Mariana Brown explains to us that depression does not always look like sadness.
00:12In tonight's House Call segment, she shares with us signs of depression and when it's time to seek help.
00:29Depression does not always look like crying all the time or someone saying they're sad.
00:35Sometimes it looks like sleeping all day, cancelling plans, becoming irritable or simply losing interest in things that you once
00:43enjoyed or struggling to get through the day.
00:47Tonight on House Call, we're discussing signs of depression, when it's time to seek help and some practical tips to
00:55support you through recovery.
00:57Depression can affect the way you feel, think and function.
01:01You may experience emptiness, sadness or irritability.
01:06One of the biggest signs is losing interest in things you once enjoyed.
01:10You may also experience low energy, difficulty concentrating, changes in your sleep and appetite, feelings of worthlessness and hopelessness and
01:22withdrawing from other people.
01:24And if several of these symptoms are present most days for two weeks or more and it's interfering with your
01:31work, relationships and daily life, it's time to speak to a healthcare professional.
01:36But you don't have to wait two weeks if you're struggling significantly.
01:40If you're finding it difficult to function, your symptoms are getting worse or you're relying on alcohol or other substances
01:48to cope, reach out for help.
01:50Some thoughts about death or harming yourself require immediate attention.
01:55Contact emergency services, crisis services or go to your nearest emergency department.
02:01Treatment can involve psychotherapy, lifestyle changes, medication or combination of all of the above.
02:11It depends on the individual.
02:13There are practical things that can support you through your recovery.
02:16Irregular sleep schedule, physical activity, spending time outdoors, staying connected with the people you trust and avoiding alcohol and recreational
02:28drugs.
02:29Start small.
02:31When you're depressed, even the smallest task can feel overwhelming.
02:35Go for a 10-minute walk or call someone you trust.
02:39It's a start.
02:40Depression is a health condition, not simply a bad mood.
02:45Effective treatments are available.
02:47If you don't feel like yourself, you don't have to wait until things become unbearable before asking for help.
02:54It's Dr. Mariana Brown for TV6 Health School.
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