What is depression?

Depression is more than simply feeling sad or having a bad day. It is a mental health condition that can affect how a person thinks, feels, behaves, and functions in everyday life.

Common signs can include:

• Feeling sad, empty, hopeless, or numb for much of the time.

• Losing interest or pleasure in activities you normally enjoy.

• Changes in sleep or appetite.

• Feeling tired or lacking energy.

• Having difficulty concentrating or making decisions.

• Feeling worthless, guilty, or like a burden.

• Withdrawing from friends, family, or activities.

Depression can happen for many reasons, including stressful life events, grief, relationship difficulties, biological factors, or a combination of these. It is not a personal weakness, and people can recover with appropriate support.

How can STOKES help?

• Providing a safe place to talk: A counselor can listen without judgment and help you express difficult thoughts and emotions.

• Identifying negative thought patterns: Therapy can help recognize thoughts such as “I'm worthless” or “nothing will get better” and develop healthier ways of thinking.

• Developing coping skills: Counseling can teach practical strategies for managing stress, sadness, anxiety, and difficult situations.

• Building healthy routines: A counselor can help create manageable goals around sleep, exercise, social connection, school/work, and self-care.

• Improving relationships: Counseling can help with communication, boundaries, and asking for support.

• Connecting you with additional care: If depression is severe, a counselor can recommend evaluation by a doctor or mental-health professional who can discuss other treatments, including medication when appropriate.