“I feel depressed.” This is an honest expression of mood. Everyone gets sad at times. Life is a ride of ups and downs. We can’t expect always to be happy, and maybe that’s a good thing. The experience of being sad allows us to appreciate joy so much more. So, being “depressed” is normal. That said, “depression” is much more than that.
Depression (Major Depressive Disorder) is a diagnosis. It’s a relatively common mental health condition that requires professional intervention. Without such support, it can escalate into a hazardous situation. This makes it crucial that we can identify the signs and get the help we need.
Signs of Depression
Like any disorder, it can look different from person to person. However, there are some common signs to watch for. These include:
Losing interest in activities you once enjoyed (including sex)
Changes in eating habits and appetite
Changes in sleep patterns with insomnia as an option
Feeling guilty and ashamed
Hopelessness and helplessness
Digestive disturbances
Inability to concentrate or make decisions
Chronic physical aches, pains, and tension with no clear explanation
Fatigue, restlessness, and irritability
Relentless feelings of sadness or being empty
Thoughts of death, dying, and suicide
Suicide attempts
As you can see, most of these symptoms could easily be mistaken for something else. If this list sounds at all familiar, please explore the possibility of depression as the cause.
Causes of Depression
Depression has no single known cause. That said, several important factors have been identified, e.g.:
Elderly people are at a higher risk than others
Those with substance abuse problems are more frequently diagnosed with depression
A family history of depression can increase the risk
Women are diagnosed with depression twice as often as men
Here are some risk factors and concurrent issues also connected with major depressive disorder:
Certain medications (like corticosteroids)
Having experienced the loss of a loved one
Going through a serious physical illness
Experiencing sexual, physical, and emotional abuse
Enduring a major life event (this can include happy events)
Social isolation
Conflict in your life
The presence of other mental health conditions
As you can see, there are instances where a direct cause-and-effect can be identified. Even so, depression most often develops from a combination of factors and events. This can also make it harder to identify and thus cause a delay in getting help initially. Effective treatment exists, so it’s in your best interest to look into your options.
Examples of Depression Treatment
Self-Help
Basic self-care tactics can go a long way. Elements to consider:
Regular sleep patterns
Healthy eating choices
Daily exercise and physical activity
Stress management and relaxation techniques
Prioritize yourself! Self-care alone is not the answer to depression, but it lays a foundation.
Alternative Approaches
When your depression is not severe, you may wish to try something like acupuncture or hypnotherapy. Studies show positive results in these scenarios.
Medication
There are cases when medication will be prescribed. If you reach this point, it is essential to have a qualified mental health practitioner to offer guidance.
Therapy
(see below)
Counseling is the Best Starting Point
I know it can be tough to break past the stigma, but there is no shame in experiencing depression. It’s no more a sign of weakness than a broken bone. Working with a therapist empowers you to:
Manage symptoms
Identify root causes
Give voice to your fears and doubts
Heal from your core emotional wounds
If depression is trying to take control of your life, we should talk. I invite you to reach out to set up a free consultation.