b"Depression is a mood disorder and affects many peopleLoss of interest or pleasure in most or all activities during their lives. According to SAMHSA, the occupational stressWeight loss (when not dieting) or weight gain fire fighters experience puts them at increased of risk of sufferingSleeping too much or too littlefrom depression, when compared with the general population. Its important to be aware of this and to make sure that fireAppearing restless or slowed down, as observable by others fighters have adequate support. There are multiple forms ofFatigue or loss of energy nearly every day depression, and it can affect people in different ways. SymptomsFeelings of worthlessness or inappropriate guiltmay differ from person to person, so its essential to recognizeDifficulty concentrating or making decisionsthe signs and seek out a mental health professional.Struggling with depression can have a negative effectRecurring thoughts of death or suicide, with or without a plan on a fire fighter's personal and professional lives. EarlyClinical depression is a serious mental health issue that can treatment of depression is critical to prevent it from gettingchange the lives of anyone it affects and those close to them. worse. Delaying treatment could lead to further disruptionsLoved ones, such as spouses, children and family members, in your life, so fire fighters should seek help at the earliestoften can be significantly impacted by the struggles of someone opportunity. Clinical depression is distinguished from generaltheyre close to. It is not unusual to suffer with them. Fire fighters sadness by the duration of depressed mood and/or the losswho struggle with depression not only can have their job of interest or pleasure in daily life. Signs of a major depressiveperformance affected but also put the lives of others in danger. episode must remain two weeks and include at least five of theUntreated depression can lead to substance use or making other symptoms listed below. Symptoms must cause major distressharmful coping choices.or impairment in the persons daily functioning and represent aDepression is unlikely to go away on its own. If a fire fighter change from previous level of functioning: has identified the signs of depression in their life, they need Depressed mood most of the day, nearly every day; includesto seek the help of a mental health professional to obtain an feeling sad, hopeless or empty accurate diagnosis and develop a treatment plan.35"