Am I Depressed or Just Feeling Blue?

Am I depressed or just feeling blue?

May is Mental Health Month, but how can you tell if you’re experiencing a regular case of the blues—or something more serious?

“Feeling sad can be normal,” said Scott Barkstrom, MD, Clinic Coordinator, Mental Health Clinic at MidHudson Regional Hospital of Westchester Medical Center. “But if you’re so sad that you can’t get out of bed or you lose interest in family and friends or find it hard to complete normal everyday activities, it might be time to see a professional. Your primary care provider or other healthcare professional is often a good person to start with when seeking help in addressing problems or symptoms associated with mental-health issues.” Additionally, your local health department’s mental-health division, community mental-health center, or insurance company can usually provide a list of resources in your community. In New York State, visit www.omh.ny.gov.