Feeling down : be.georgetown.edu

Myth: If I’m feeling down, there’s not a whole lot I can do besides wait it out and hope to feel better.  Besides, the only people who go “talk to someone” are the ones who have huge problems and can afford expensive shrinks.

Fact: While feeling “down” occasionally is a normal part of life, if you’ve been experiencing any of the following symptoms for two weeks or more, you might be depressed:

• Depressed mood
• Persistent feelings of hopelessness, guilt or worthlessness
• Fatigue or lack of energy
• Slowed behavior (the feeling of "dragging oneself around")
• Reduction or loss of pleasure in life
• Decreased motivation
• Negative or pessimistic thinking
• Loss of interest in friends, activities, hobbies or work
• Change in eating habits; weight gain or loss
• Sleep problems, including waking up early
• Frequent crying
• Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions
• Irritability
• Being anxious or worried a lot
• Thoughts of death or suicide

More information.