Depression

Living with a chronic illness is stressful. It’s normal to depressed or down at times. However, it’s important to seek treatment if these feelings become excessive. If symptoms of depression are interfering with your relationships, your ability to participate in your usual daily activities, or your sleep, this is a sign that you are likely to benefit from evaluation and treatment for depression.

Symptoms

Symptoms of depression include physical symptoms such as fatigue and loss of appetite as well as poor concentration, difficulty experiencing pleasure, being unusually critical of yourself, feelings of worthlessness, and hopelessness.

Treatment

Treatment for depression can include medications, talk therapy, or both. Talk therapy may involve individual therapy or family therapy. Therapy may include developing new coping strategies and setting personal goals. Therapy also can provide support and encouragement for you and your family. You and your physician can choose which treatments suit you best.