There are times in life when we feel “depressed” or down. These feelings tend to pass. Sometimes they don’t. When they stay, we can feel hopeless.
A feeling of emptiness may be a sign of a treatable medical illness called depression.
Talk to your primary care provider if:
- You feel hopeless or down every day for more than two weeks.
- You believe this state of mind affects your daily life.
- Your sleep schedule, appetite, weight, energy level or focus changes.
To learn more about depression or to get help, call 866-738-4116 (TTY: 711). We’re open Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Resources
These organizations can provide you with additional information about depression and its treatment. The Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance, National Alliance on Mentally Illness and the National Mental Health Association can also provide you with information about resources in your state or community. Talk with your clinician about other resources that may be available in your area.
Depression & Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA)
730 North Franklin Street, Suite 501
Chicago, IL 60610
Telephone: 800-826-3632
www.dbsalliance.org/
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
Colonial Place Three
2107 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 300
Arlington, VA 22201-3042
Telephone: 800-950-NAMI (800-950-6264)
www.nami.org
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
6001 Executive Boulevard
Room 8184, MSC 9663
Bethesda, MD 20892-9663
Telephone: 800-421-4211
www.nimh.nih.gov
Mental Health America (MHA)
500 Montgomery Street, Suite 820
Alexandria, VA 22314
Telephone: 800-969-6642
www.mentalhealthamerica.net