Depression can affect anyone, no matter their age, gender, race, income, beliefs or health situation. In fact, one in five Americans experiences depression each year. One of the most common myths about depression is that it is "normal" for certain people to feel depressed; such as women, older people, employees with work-related stress, or people with chronic illness. The truth is depression is never a normal part of life.
Signs and Symptoms of Depression
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Persistent sad, anxious or "empty" mood
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Sleeping too much or too little, middle of the night or early morning waking
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Reduced appetite and weight loss, or increased appetite and weight gain
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Loss of pleasure and interest in activities once enjoyed, including sex
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Restlessness, irritability
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Persistent physical symptoms that do not respond to treatment (such as chronic pain or digestive disorders)
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Difficulty concentrating, remembering or making decisions
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Fatigue or loss of energy
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Feeling guilty, hopeless or worthless
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Thoughts of suicide or death
If you have five or more of these symptoms for two weeks or more, you could have clinical depression and should see your doctor or a qualified mental health professional for help.
Causes of Clinical Depression
Screening Tools
A free and anonymous screening tool is made available to you by Mental Health America of Wisconsin. Click here to take a screening for Depression, Generalized Anxiety, Bipolar or Post-traumatic Stress (for ages 17 and up).
If you are under the age of 17 and believe you or one of your friends has depression, talk with a trusted adult (ex: teacher, school counselor, principal, coach, parent or other family member, clergyperson, physician, etc...) who can help you find the help that you need. Never keep talk of suicide a secret even if your friend has asked you to. Take it seriously and seek help immediately from a trusted adult. It is better to risk losing a friendship than to risk losing a friend forever.
Fact Sheets
Anxiety
Depression and Substance Abuse
Mental Illness and the Family
Signs and Symptoms of Depression
Stress: Coping with everyday problems
Suicide
Veteran Resources
Not finding what you are looking for?
Try one of these pages:
Mental Health Information for You and Your Family
Mental Health and You (Youth and Young Adult)
Resources & Articles
Mental Health & Wellness Resource Directory
Charles E. Kubly Foundation
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)- Greater Milwaukee
What they're saying about Favre's retirement (USA Today)
Reaction from across the sports world to the retirement of Packers Quarterback Brett Favre.
That sinking feeling: Depression saps workers, employers
Mental illness takes bigger toll on business than physical woes, and disability absences are twice as long when triggered by depression (Financial Week, 1/14/08)
30 Million in U.S. Have Had Depression: Last year, nearly 25 million American adults were estimated to have experienced severe psychological distress, according to the results of an annual government survey, indicating that they may have a diagnosable mental disorder. But of those, only about 44 percent (10.9 million) received some sort of mental health treatment. ( Psychiatric News 10/19/07)
Support Groups
MHA lists over 60 active support groups in the Greater Milwaukee area focusing on you and your family.
More Information
If you have further questions or are looking for additional resources contact Mental Health America of Wisconsin at (414) 276-3122 or send an email to
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