Could I Have Depression?

Do you often find it difficult to make it through the day? Often unmotivated? Withdrawn from the day-to-day activity? You look at the calendar, and it’s only Tuesday, but your Saturdays also feel like Tuesdays. Every day, every hour, you continue to feel the same. Could you be displaying symptoms of depression?

What is depression?

Depression is a mental illness characterized by long periods of sadness, loss of interest in life, and feelings of guilt or low self-worth, and affects mood and emotions. It can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, race, or socioeconomic status. The episodes can last weeks, months, or years with milder symptoms between episodes. There is no specific cause and can be triggered by a number of factors such as trauma, loss, or even genetics. The American Psychiatric Association says that depression is a mental illness characterized by low mood, a lack of interest or pleasure in activities, feelings of guilt or worthlessness, and decreased energy.

How do people describe depression?

There are many different ways people describe depression. Some people will say that they feel sad, down, or empty. Other people might say that they feel hopeless or helpless. Feelings of a dark cloud over their head never go away. And others might say it feels like a weight on their chest and it’s hard to breathe. These feelings of depression differ from person to person, and it is hard to explain how they feel. Some people might not know what they are feeling at all, while others may describe their feelings as sadness, emptiness, or despair. Depression can result in physical symptoms like fatigue, headaches, stomach aches, insomnia, or overeating. This is why we need to be mindful of how we talk about mental health and make sure we are using the right words when we speak to someone who is struggling with depression.

What are some ways to cope with depression?

Depression is a serious condition that can be treated and managed with the help of a licensed medical professional. It is important to note that depression is not just a feeling. It is a very serious mental illness that can lead to suicide and other self-destructive behaviors if not treated properly. There are many ways to cope with depression. These include things like therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes. Therapy: Therapy is the most common way to treat depression. It involves talking to a psychotherapist about your feelings and thoughts in an effort to get better. Medication: This should be prescribed by a licensed healthcare provider, particularly a psychiatric specialist. There are many types of medication that can be used for depression treatment -antidepressants are the most common type of medication prescribed for this condition. Lifestyle Changes: Lifestyle changes such as getting enough sleep, exercising, eating healthy food, and practicing mindfulness techniques such as meditation or yoga may also help you cope with depression symptoms.

If you feel like you may have depression, it’s important to talk with your doctor right away about treatment options and reach out to us ([email protected]) to discuss therapy options that may assist you on your journey to healing and wellness.