Depression is an overwhelming sadness that you can’t just shake off by talking with a friend, focusing on the positive, directing your hands to a project, or watching an uplifting movie. Left untreated, depression can cause physical symptoms and last for months or years. This level of emotional pain, just like physical pain, is a warning sign telling you it’s time to get help before it gets worse. 

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, if you have been experiencing some of the following signs and symptoms most of the day, nearly every day, for at least two weeks, you may be suffering from depression: 

• Persistent sad, anxious, or “empty” mood
• Feelings of hopelessness, or pessimism
• Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness
• Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities
• Decreased energy or fatigue
• Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions
• Difficulty sleeping, early-morning awakening, or oversleeping
• Appetite and/or weight changes
• Thoughts of death or suicide, or suicide attempts
• Aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems without a clear physical cause and/or that do not ease even with treatment

This list does not include all possible symptoms, and people with depression may experience only some of the above. Risk factors include a family history of depression, major life changes, trauma, or stress, and certain physical illnesses and medications.

Here at Saratoga Hospital, we offer several resources to help you move through any escalating anxiety, sadness, anger, hopelessness, or other feelings you may be experiencing. We offer behavioral health services in our Primary Care practices, including medication management and counseling at Saratoga Community Health Center, as well as substance abuse and behavioral health counseling through our Addiction Medicine services. 

You are a valuable member of our community. We are here for you. And if your emotional pain has worsened, please remember: no matter how deep the despair, how immobilizing the hopelessness, there is reason for life, and there are many resources to help you find it. Whatever your worry, your fear, or your pain, we are here to help you choose to go on. You are not alone.  

If you, or someone you know, is at immediate risk of self-harm or hurting another person:

• Call 911 or your local emergency number.
• Stay with the person until help arrives.
• Remove any guns, knives, medications, or other things that may cause harm.
• Listen, but don’t judge, argue, threaten, or yell.

And if you, or someone you know, is considering suicide, please call one of these numbers right away: 

• Suicide Prevention Coalition of Saratoga County                             
  • 1-800-273-8255
• National Suicide Prevention Hotline                                                      
  • 1-800-273-8225 
• Samaritans Suicide Prevention Center Hot Line                                   
  • 1-518- 689-4673
• Saratoga County Crisis Line Hot Line                                                 
  • 1-518-584-9030