GREENSBORO, N.C. — Clinical psychologist, Jenna Mendelson talks about dealing with stress and depression during the holidays.
Here are signs and symptoms of depression you should know about from the CDC:
Symptoms of depression include:
- Feeling sad or anxious often or all the time
- Not wanting to do activities that used to be fun
- Feeling irritable‚ easily frustrated‚ or restless
- Having trouble falling asleep or staying asleep
- Waking up too early or sleeping too much
- Eating more or less than usual or having no appetite
- Experiencing aches, pains, headaches, or stomach problems that do not improve with treatment
- Having trouble concentrating, remembering details, or making decisions
- Feeling tired‚ even after sleeping well
- Feeling guilty, worthless, or helpless
- Thinking about suicide or hurting yourself
What causes depression?
- Having blood relatives who have had depression
- Experiencing traumatic or stressful events, such as physical or sexual abuse, the death of a loved one, or financial problems
- Going through a major life change‚ even if it was planned
- Having a medical problem, such as cancer, stroke, or chronic pain
- Taking certain medications. Talk to your doctor if you have questions about whether your medications might be making you feel depressed.
- Using alcohol or drugs
Resources for dealing with depression:
- Call 1−800−273−TALK (8255) to reach a 24−hour crisis center or dial 911. 1−800−273−TALK is the National Suicide Prevention Lifelineexternal icon, which provides free‚ confidential help to people in crisis. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administrationexternal icon runs this lifeline.
- Call your mental health provider.
- Get help from your primary doctor or other health care provider.
- Reach out to a close friend or loved one.
- Contact a minister, spiritual leader, or someone else in your faith community.
MORE ABOUT MENDELSON
Jenna Mendelson, PhD, is a licensed clinical psychologist with LeBauer Behavioral Medicine and a member of Cone Health Medical Group. With expertise in a wide variety of areas including depression, anxiety, stress and autism spectrum disorder (ASD), Dr. Mendelson provides behavioral health care to adolescents, adults, couples and families.
Find out more about behavioral health
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