It’s impossible to be cheerful all the time. Some days are harder than others. But if you just can’t shake your sadness or you have mysterious aches and pains, you may be suffering from depression.

Like heart disease and diabetes, clinical depression is an illness. Depression may be the result of a chemical imbalance in the brain, heredity, a stressful life change, or medication. It could be a combination of these. It may develop after a particular event or for no apparent reason. It can also be secondary to another underlying medical problem (for example, hypothyroidism) or a consequence of using drugs or alcohol.

Many people don’t realize that they have depression. To help determine whether you may be depressed, answer the following questions:

• Do you feel sad or hopeless but don’t know why?
• Do you have lasting aches and pains that don’t respond to treatment?
• Have you lost interest in activities you used to enjoy?
• Do you have trouble concentrating, remembering, or making decisions?
• Do you frequently feel worthless or guilty?
• Do you have trouble sleeping at night?
• Do you worry that you sleep too much?

If you answer “yes” to any of these questions, and you have felt this way for more than two weeks, talk to your healthcare provider because you may be depressed. Treatment can help you feel good again—but first, someone has to know you feel bad. If at any time you are feeling suicidal, contact a support person, your healthcare provider, or call 911 to get immediate help. You can call SBL Psychiatry & Counseling at 217 258-4042.You can also get help at the nearest emergency room or by calling the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255).