Understanding Depression: Impact on Mood, Health & Relationships

Depression is a serious mental illness that can have a profound impact on your life. It can affect your mood, your thinking, your physical health, and your relationships.

Mood

Depression can cause a variety of mood changes, including:

* Feeling sad, hopeless, or empty

* Feeling anxious, restless, or irritable

* Having trouble sleeping or sleeping too much

* Feeling tired or having low energy

* Having difficulty concentrating or making decisions

* Feeling worthless or guilty

* Having thoughts of death or suicide

Thinking

Depression can also affect your thinking. You may have difficulty:

* Concentrating or paying attention

* Remembering things

* Making decisions

* Being creative

* Solving problems

Physical health

Depression can also affect your physical health. You may have:

* Headaches

* Stomachaches

* Back pain

* Fatigue

* Loss of appetite or weight gain

* Difficulty sleeping

* Increased risk of heart disease and stroke

Relationships

Depression can also damage your relationships. You may:

* Withdraw from your friends and family

* Have difficulty communicating your feelings

* Be irritable or angry

* Have difficulty maintaining relationships

If you think you may be depressed, please see a doctor or mental health professional. Treatment for depression is available and can help you feel better.