WHAT ARE THE SIGNS OF DEPRESSION?
Not everyone with depression experiences the same symptoms and while some may only have a few, others have several. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms below, contact a mental health professional at JFS at 973-637-1710 or intake@jfsmetrowest.org. 

• Feeling sad, anxious, hopeless or "empty"
• Loss of interest in hobbies and activities you once enjoyed
• Decreased energy
• Easily annoyed, angered or bothered
  
• Difficulty staying focused, making decisions, remembering key information
• Sleep disturbances or oversleeping, feeling sluggish 
• Not wanting to eat or eating to "feel better" and weight gain
  
• Thoughts of hurting yourself
  
• Thoughts of death and/or suicide
  
• Constant physical symptoms that do not improve with treatment: headaches, upset stomach, persistent pain
  

HELPING LOVED ONES WITH DEPRESSION
Often, helping a loved one confront his or her depression can be very difficult. This article offers guidance for coaxing family and friends to seek treatment when they may be resistant to getting the help they need.