-Sad Most of the Time

-Feeling Hopeless, Helpless, Worthless

-Feeling Irritable, Angry, Restless, Inappropriately Guilty

-Change in Appetite, Weight, Sleep Patterns, Self Care, Sex Drive

-Fatigue and Loss of Energy

-Difficulty Concentrating

-Decreased Interest in Activities

-Change in Work or School Performance

-Withdrawal / Isolation

-Physical Complaints

-Alcohol or Drug Use

-Severe Mood Swings

-Talking or Writing About Suicide, Death

-Giving Away Possessions

-Careless, High Risk Behavior

-Making a Suicide Plan

-Gathering Supplies to Kill Self

-Unexplained Mood Improvement

PLEASE NOTE: One or two of these signs may be present in many people.
Look for a pattern of changes in one's behavior.

ADDITIONAL RISK FACTORS:

-Recent Losses or Major Life Changes

-Access to Means

-Absence of Support

-Past Suicide Attempts

-Family History of Suicide

ABOUT DEPRESSION : Severe Depression can occur as a symptom of both Bipolar Disorder and Major Depression (a.k.a. Clinical Depression). Major Depression is not the same as ordinary sadness or grief. Major depression is actually caused by an imbalance of the chemicals in our brain which affect how we feel, think and respond to the world around us. Unlike ordinary sadness or grief, major depression does not usually respond to changing circumstances or just "go away" over time. Many symptoms of depression are often unrecognized, overlooked, misunderstood, or not taken seriously. Depression can affect a person's entire body. The good news is that depression is treatable. The vast majority of people suffering from depression will find relief through a combination of treatments, including anti-depressant medication, psychotherapy, lifestyle changes and peer support.