If you injure your leg and need crutches, there is no question that it will take you longer to get around and that you’ll need to rely on loved ones to help you with day-to-day tasks. While mental health disorders tend to be less evident than physical injury, they deserve our attention and our willingness to slow down and ask for help. Depression is the most common mental health disorder, with more than 280 million people worldwide who have had documented instances of depression and many more whose cases have not received adequate treatment. Join Maryvale in expressing support for National Depression Awareness and Screening Month, a moment to reflect on the risk factors for depression as well as the many paths to healing.
12 Ways To Tell if You Are Depressed
Recognizing depression in oneself can be challenging because the symptoms and their severity can vary from person to person. It can be tough to observe in children and teens, whose personalities are always forming and re-forming. However, there are common signs and indicators that may suggest you are experiencing depression.
If you or someone you know is persistently experiencing several of these symptoms for at least two weeks, it’s essential to seek help from a mental health professional for a proper evaluation and diagnosis. Here are some signs to watch for:
- Persistent Sadness: Feeling consistently sad, down, or hopeless for an extended period.
- Loss of Interest or Pleasure: Losing interest in activities or hobbies that used to be enjoyable.
- Changes in Sleep Patterns: Experiencing changes in sleep, such as insomnia (difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep) or hypersomnia (excessive sleeping).
- Changes in Appetite or Weight: Significant changes in appetite or weight, either an increase or decrease.
- Fatigue: Feeling unusually tired or lacking energy, even after a restful sleep.
- Difficulty Concentrating: Finding it hard to focus, make decisions, or remember things.
- Feelings of Worthlessness or Guilt: Experiencing persistent feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or self-criticism, even when there’s no apparent reason.
- Irritability: Becoming easily irritable or agitated, with little provocation.
- Discomfort in your Body: Some people with depression may experience physical symptoms like headaches, digestive problems, or unexplained aches and pains.
- Social Withdrawal: Withdrawing from social activities, friends, or family and preferring isolation.
- Thoughts of Death or Suicide: Having thoughts of death, dying, or suicide. If you or someone you know is experiencing these thoughts, seek immediate help from a mental health professional or a crisis hotline.
- Loss of Motivation: Experiencing a significant loss of motivation, which can affect work, school, or personal goals.
It’s essential to recognize that experiencing a few of these symptoms occasionally doesn’t necessarily mean you have depression. Depression is diagnosed when these symptoms are persistent, interfere with daily functioning, and cause significant distress. Also, other medical or psychological conditions can sometimes mimic the symptoms of depression, so a thorough evaluation by a healthcare or mental health professional is crucial for an accurate diagnosis. If you are intimidated by the idea that you might be diagnosed with depression – don’t worry. It is an extremely common ailment, and with proper treatment, it does not last forever.
Treatment Options for Depression
If you suspect you may be experiencing depression, reach out to a mental health provider, counselor, therapist, or psychiatrist. They can provide an assessment and recommend appropriate treatment options, which may include therapy, medication, lifestyle changes, or a combination of these approaches. Remember that seeking help is a sign of strength, and treatment can make a significant difference in managing and recovering from depression.
Depending on the severity of a person’s depression, various treatment options are available. What matters first is to learn as much as possible about depression, to become unafraid of it, and to be eager to work through it.
Mental health practitioners will be able to provide the best path forward. A common set of treatments for depression can include medications, therapy, and self-care. Medications treat chemical imbalances in the brain. Different types of therapy, from talk therapy to group sessions to family care, can all be essential for building a stronger relationship between a person and their feelings. By building the skills and desire to untangle their feelings, a person becomes empowered to approach their life from a fresh perspective, eliminate unhelpful patterns, and make positive changes. Self-care often takes the form of lifestyle shifts, from eating healthy and exercising to reducing alcohol intake. Seeking support from friends and family is another form of self-care that can have lasting benefits and can prevent feelings of helplessness or isolation.
At Maryvale, we approach mental health by considering a person’s full experience and see the value in screening for mental health disorders. We encourage you to take ownership of your mental health today and every day, and our team of mental health practitioners and community partners is here to support you.
