Depression is a disorder that affects the whole body, including our emotions, the way we think and the way we feel physically. Depression can occur alone or with other health problems and/or mental disorders such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes, hormonal dysregulation, substance use or anxiety disorders.

Depression may show up in a number of different ways, both emotionally and physically. You might experience some or all of these symptoms:

• A persistent feeling of sadness or down/low mood
• A deep sense of disinterest, especially a loss of interest in activities, experiences and people you formerly enjoyed
• Difficulty eating, sleeping, working and proceeding with your day as you normally would

You may also experience:

• Appetite and/or weight fluctuations
• Irritability
• Feelings of misplaced or inappropriate guilt
• Headaches
• Digestive problems
• Chronic pain that doesn’t get better with treatment
• Thoughts of self-harm or suicide

If you think you may be suffering from depression and wish to seek help, start by talking to your primary care provider. Your provider can evaluate your symptoms and condition, connect you with resources as needed and if appropriate, prescribe medication.

The most common anxiety disorder is Generalized Anxiety Disorder. If your anxiety seems more intense than what a situation calls for, or you experience chronic, daily worry that is hard to control, you may have GAD.

GAD can manifest in a variety of ways. You may experience some or all of these signs and symptoms, and more:

• Trouble falling and staying asleep and/or extreme fatigue
• Difficulty concentrating
• Headaches, stomachaches or muscle aches
• Feeling irritable, restless or on-edge
• Difficulty controlling feelings of worry

GAD is just one of several diagnosable anxiety disorders including: panic disorder; obsessive-compulsive disorder; post-traumatic stress disorder; postpartum anxiety and depression; and phobias. If you think you may be suffering from an anxiety disorder and wish to seek help, start by talking to your primary care provider. Your provider can evaluate your symptoms and condition, connect you with resources as needed and prescribe medication if appropriate.

Suicidal behavior includes having frequent thoughts about and/or planning to end one’s own life. Suicide attempts should be taken very seriously. Nearly half of suicidal attempts do not end in suicide, however those with a history of attempts are 23 times more likely to end their own lives. Over 700,000 people die from suicide every year, and suicide is the second leading cause of death in 10- to 29-year-olds.

There are various warning signs of suicide that may include:

• Wanting to die
• Great guilt or shame
• Being a burden to others

• Empty, hopeless, trapped or having no reason to live
• Extremely sad, more anxious, agitated or full of rage
• Unbearable emotional or physical pain

• Planning or researching ways to die
• Withdrawing from friends, saying good bye, giving away important items or making a will
• Taking dangerous risks such as driving extremely fast
• Displaying extreme mood swings
• Eating or sleeping more or less
• Using drugs or alcohol more often

People who receive ongoing support from friends and family, and/or those who have access to trusted mental health services like a long-term therapist are less likely to act on their suicidal impulses. Those who are socially isolated are more likely to act.

If someone you know is exhibiting warning signs and seems suicidal, here’s how you can help.

• Be direct, and talk openly and matter-of-fact about suicide.
• Be willing to listen and reserve judgement.
• Allow expressions of feelings, and accept those feelings.
• Be available by showing interest and offering support.
• Take action and remove means, like weapons or pills.

• Act shocked or dare the person to do it.
• Debate whether suicide is right or wrong, whether feelings are good or bad, or lecture on the value of life.
• Be sworn to secrecy. Seek help from people or agencies specializing in crisis intervention and suicide prevention.
  • Text with a trained counselor at the Crisis Text Line. Text "TALK" to 741741. Help is available free of charge, 24 hours a day, seven days a week
  • Call the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988
  • Visit Lifeline Chat
  • Call 911 for emergencies