How to Tell If You Have Depression
Everyone feels down, sad, or even depressed every now and then. Sometimes the feeling may be linked to a specific event—such as the death of a loved one—or sometimes you might just feel down for no real reason whatsoever. These feelings are all a very normal part of life.
Depression, on the other hand, is a serious mental health concern that, if not addressed, can seriously interfere with work or school, relationships, and your ability to live a healthy, happy life.
The challenge is telling the difference between a very normal period of sadness and the mental health condition known as depression.
Here are some of the most common symptoms and warning signs of depression. Experiencing just one of these symptoms for a few days now and then probably doesn’t mean you have depression. The more symptoms you experience—and the longer you experience them—the more likely it is that you have depression.
Lack of interest in normal routines and activities
Lack of energy to complete even small, normal tasks
Feeling helpless or hopeless, like there’s nothing you can do to change your situation for the better
Unexplained weight loss or weight gain
Changes in sleep patterns, including insomnia or oversleeping
Feeling sluggish, fatigued, and physically drained
Feeling angry, irritable, agitated, or even violent for no apparent reason
Strong feelings of self-loathing, guilt, or worthlessness
Problems concentrating, focusing, remembering things, or even making decisions
Unexplained physical ailments, such as headaches, stomach aches, back pain, or aching muscles
Patterns of reckless behavior and decision making, including substance abuse, gambling, or an increase in dangerous driving
The bottom line: If you or a loved one is experiencing one or more of these symptoms, but you are unsure whether they really are signs of depression, then speak to a licensed therapist or mental health counselor immediately.
It’s also critical to note that depression is a major risk factor for suicide. Suicidal ideation and talk should be taken extremely seriously. If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts or if you believe a loved one is depressed and at risk of suicide, seek help from a therapist, counselor, or doctor immediately. Even just talking to a friendly face can help.
Types of Depression
Mild and moderate depression: When some symptoms of depression begin to interfere with daily activities, relationships, and a “normal” life.
Dysthymia: Recurrent mild or “low grade” depression, where symptoms are not as strong as major depression but last at least two years or longer. Periods of mild or moderate depression can be mixed with brief periods of feeling “normal”, or may be combined with major depressive episodes (“double depression”).
Major depression: Characterized by severe and seemingly relentless symptoms, usually lasting at least six months (if left untreated).
Atypical depression: A specific type of major depression with a defined pattern of symptoms, including temporary mood changes in response to positive events or news, increased appetite and weight gain, excessive sleep, feelings of heaviness in the arms and less, and increased sensitivity to rejection.
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD): A response to the reduction of daylight during fall and winter, making you feel like a very different person than your “summer” persona.
Treatment Options for Depression
The good news is that you don’t have to live with depression. A trained, licensed therapist or counselor can help you recognize that feelings of sadness and hopelessness are symptomatic of a mental health condition and can be changed. Therapy can offer help you identify the root causes of your depression, offer tools to cope with its symptoms, and motivate you to make positive changes in your life.
Medications such as antidepressants can provide temporary and short-term relief from depression, and offer important space to deal with symptoms in a long-term fashion. This is especially important for anyone feeling violent or suicidal. But antidepressants and other medication often have side effects and long-term health consequences and should not be looked at as a long-term solution to depression.
Life style changes can also play an important role in treating depression. Getting regular exercise and eating a healthy diet (and avoiding caffeine and alcohol) can be as effective for some people as antidepressants in fighting the symptoms of depression.
And always remember that you are not alone. While depression can be isolating, finding a friend who will listen and taking steps to engage with the world can help as well. Even if it feels difficult at first, even small steps can, and will, help you feel better.
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Collaborative Therapeutic Services (CTS) wants to help. We offer a variety of counselling and therapy services, hours, and service providers with diverse specializations. We offer evening & weekend appointments in office or by TeleHealth conferencing.
Have questions? Contact Us Here or Call 813-951-7346. Located in Tampa, Florida. Ask us about our new NEUROLEASE™ TREATMENT THERAPY - A cutting edge treatment for releasing toxic emotions.