You may have heard that depression is the number one cause of disability impacting workers in the United States. This isn’t too surprising given that over 20% of adults will experience at least one depressive episode in their lifetimes. While depression can lead to predictable reductions in our capacity to function in a variety of settings, it can look dramatically different from person to person. 

Anger, erratic energy levels, and early morning waking are just a few of the symptoms of depression that may be mistaken for something else entirely. Depression is more than an Eyeore-esque approach to life; it can include intense feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or even a reduced ability to feel any emotions. Regardless of the presentation, depression comes with significant risks if folx with symptoms go untreated or unsupported. 

You may be experiencing depression if you:

• Feel down, guilty, hopeless, irritable, or apathetic for more than two weeks at a time regardless of your life circumstances. 
• Notice changes in your appetite (increases or decreases)
• Feel like you have to overperform, overwork, or otherwise overcompensate at work, home, or in relationships when you aren’t feeling depressed.
• Have thoughts of wanting to go to sleep and not wake up (passive suicidal ideation); have a specific plan to kill yourself without intent or with reasons why you wouldn’t go through with it (active suicidal ideation)