Identifying Symptoms of Depression and How to Seek Help
What is depression?
Depression is not only an emotional state of feeling sad or down, but it can encompass more areas of mental well being and physical health than many people are aware. Sometimes people struggle with depression for a very long time without realizing they have a mental health concern or that help and relief is attainable. The symptoms of depression are varied and can impact several areas of life.
Common symptoms of depression:
Irritability, anger or agitation
Withdrawal or isolation from others
Disturbance in sleep patterns
Changes in appetite
Decreased interest in daily or previously enjoyed activities
Feeling guilty about things outside of your control
Feeling worthless or helpless
Decreased energy
Difficulty concentrating
In more serious cases of depression, thoughts of death, suicide or self harm may arise*
*In such cases, please seek help right away. If you worry you may be in critical danger, please call 911 or proceed to the nearest emergency room
Am I just in a funk or is this becoming a more significant problem?
You may be asking if you are just experiencing normal shifts in mood that will pass. Absolutely, shifts in circumstances (i.e a job change, or a conflict with a friend), poor nutrition, lack of sleep can all be temporary and you may just be feeling down. Not only is this normal, but it is healthy to be someone who experiences a wide range of emotions. Sadness and feeling down is sometimes just as natural as being excited over a positive change, or feeling good after getting a good rest. When these feelings come and go, if you are able to ‘bounce back’ pretty readily or when the stressor lifts, then you might be able to manage these feelings with minimal negative impact on your well being.
However, when these feelings persist and you find it harder and harder to recover from a sad episode, or the stressor just won’t let up, you might consider getting more support and professional guidance through this tough journey.
Am I alone?
In 2017, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) identified depression as a common mental health concern that affects approximately 17.3 million adults in the United States, or essentially seven percent of the U.S. adult population. Furthermore, even without meeting the criteria for major depression, many more people, including adolescents and young adults, may experience many of the variety of symptoms that suggest one might be suffering from depression.
What can I do?
If you identify with one or more of the symptoms above, consider connecting with others (friends and family). Sometimes reaching out to a loved one can help significantly.
If you are concerned about a loved one, remember that listening with care is so powerful. You don’t always need to have the solutions to be helpful. An empathetic ear is a healing force.
If the symptoms you are feeling are interfering with your daily functioning and/or quality of life, consider making an appointment with a professional. It is a brave and important step. An evaluation and treatment plan with a mental health professional is a powerful step towards recovery and wellness.
Free Consultation
For a free consultation with Dr. Amy Acosta, please call 713-714-7908 or email her at wellness@amyacosta.com. If you are experiencing multiple symptoms of depression, individual or group therapy can help.
