Your loved one or friend doesn’t seem the same. You thought it was the blues, but it’s been going on for weeks. And it seems much worse than that.

Could it be depression? Depression is an illness that makes someone feel sad, lose interest in things they used to enjoy, withdraw from others, and have little energy. It’s more than normal sadness, grief, or low energy. Most people with depression get better with medicine, counseling, or a combination of the two.

It’s important to know that depression can affect anyone—more professional athletes and others in the public eye who appear on top of the world are speaking about their own anxiety, depression and other mental health concerns. (Watch our Facebook Live above to hear more about this.)

Find help for yourself or a loved one

  • Click here to connect with ChristianaCare’s Behavioral Health Services.
  • If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide or self-harm, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255).
  • Crisis Text Line: 741741

It’s ok to not be ok.

If you think someone close to you is depressed, urge him or her to be like a pro and get help.

Here’s what to know

  • Depression is a disease. It’s not being lazy, and you can’t “just get over it.”
  • Depression is very common and is nothing to be embarrassed about.
  • The best thing you can do for someone who has depression is to help him or her get treatment.
  • Don’t ignore talk about suicide or hurting oneself. Talk to a doctor, or call 911 or emergency help if needed.
  • Treatment works, and there are many choices in treatment. Many types of health practitioners can treat depression.
  • Depression can be caused by another medical problem. Treating the problem may stop the depression.
  • After someone has had an episode of depression, they are more likely to have it again.

How you can help

  • If someone you care about is depressed, the best thing you can do is help the person get or stay in treatment. Click here to connect with ChristianaCare’s Behavioral Health Services.
  • Talk to the person, and gently encourage him or her to do things and see people.
  • Don’t get upset with the person. The behavior you see is the disease, not the person.
  • Learn about the disease. Click here to visit ChristianaCare’s online health library with articles, videos and other resources.
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