ACCESS OHIO Mental Health Center of Excellence - Providing Results that Matter

_____

_______

Addictions

ADHD/ADD

Anxiety Disorder

Autism

Bipolar Disorder

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Dementia/Alzheimer's

Depression

Access Ohio Mental Health Center of Excellence is accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations and licensed by the Ohio Department of Mental Health.

Insomnia

Obsessive Compulsive (OCD)

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Schizophrenia

Frequently Asked Questions

Everyone occasionally feels blue or sad, but these feelings are usually temporary and pass within a couple of days. When a person has a Depressive Disorder, it interferes with daily life, normal functioning, and causes pain for both the person with the disorder and those who care about him or her. Depression is a common but serious illness, and those who experience it need treatment to get better.

Many people with a Depression never seek treatment. But the vast majority, even those with the most severe depression, can get better with treatment. Intensive research into the illness has resulted in the development of medications, psychotherapies, and other methods to treat people with this disabling disorder.

People with depressive illnesses do not all experience the same symptoms. The severity, frequency and duration of symptoms will vary depending on the individual and his or her particular illness.

Symptoms of Depression

Persistent sad, anxious or "empty" feelings
Feelings of hopelessness and/or pessimism
Feelings of guilt, worthlessness and/or helplessness
Irritability, restlessness
Loss of interest in activities or hobbies once pleasurable
Fatigue and decreased energy
Difficulty concentrating, remembering details and making decisions
Insomnia, early–morning wakefulness, or excessive sleeping
Overeating, or appetite loss
Thoughts of suicide, suicide attempts
Persistent aches or pains, headaches, cramps or digestive problems that do not ease even with treatment

Depression, even the most severe cases, is a highly treatable disorder. As with many illnesses, the earlier that treatment can begin, the more effective it is and the greater the likelihood that recurrence can be prevented.