SEE THE SIGNS

Everyone goes through periods of sadness, for example following the death of loved ones, broken relationships, financial mishaps or even after receiving bad news. But not everyone who is sad suffers from depression. Clinically, a person is diagnosed as depressed when a significant number or all of the symptoms below occur over a two-week period, or more.

• Poor appetite
• Inability to enjoy activities that one would previously enjoy doing (anhedonia)
• Persistent depressed mood, unhappiness and irritability
• Loss of interest in recreational activity and friends
• Loss of energy and concentration
• Deterioration in school or work performance
• Drastic weight change
• Disturbed sleep (usually early morning awakening, followed by inability to go back to sleep)
• Thoughts of worthlessness
• Somatic complaints e.g. headache, abdominal pain
• Erratic mood and behaviour
• Tempting death (by doing risky activities such as standing on edge of window, driving through red lights)
• Talking about suicide

Don’t hesitate to get help for yourself (or someone you know) for depression. Below are some numbers you can call for assistance.

The Befrienders Kuala Lumpur

Tel: 03-7956 8144/8145 (24 hours)

Website: www.befrienders.org.my

 The Befrienders Penang

Tel: 04-281 1108 (3pm-midnight)

Website: www.befrienders.org.my

 Agape Counselling Centre Malaysia

Tel: 017-489 4236/ 012-400 5606

Tue-Sat : 9am -6pm

Website:  http://www.agape.org.my

 Life Line Association of Malaysia

71-2nd Floor, Jin Jejaka 2, 55100 Taman Maluri, Kuala Lumpur

Tel: 016 7201495/ 011 31571496/ 0166131495

Website: https://www.facebook.com/lifeline7995/