“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.