In order to be diagnosed with depression some of the following symptoms must be present for more than 2 weeks. It is important that if you are feeling the symptoms listed below that you seek help by calling one of the hotlines listed above. Depression is the leading cause of suicide and can be prevented with the proper help.

• Overly sad mood
• Loss of interest and pleasure in usual activities
• Diminished ability to think or concentrate
  
• Thoughts of death or suicide, or wishes to be dead (seek help immediately if this is the case)
  
• Feel hopeless and helpless
  
• More irritable and short-tempered than usual
  
• You have thoughts that life is not worth living (seek help immediately if this is the case)
  
• Self-loathing such as strong feelings of worthlessness and guilt
  
• Decrease in sexual activity
  
• Fatigue or loss of energy
  
• Change in eating and sleeping habits
  
• You can’t control your negative thoughts no matter how hard you try
  
• Talking about hopelessness or helplessness
  
• Preoccupation with death
  
• Previous attempts made of suicide
  
• Low self-esteem and guilt