As a licensed therapist in Jacksonville, FL, clients often ask me about signs of depression. Depression is talked about so frequently, yet, there is a lot of misinformation about its symptoms and causes. Depression is a word used to describe an emotional state. For example, "I am feeling depressed." When someone says, "I have depression," they usually mean they have a depressive disorder. It's important to understand the distinction; a person can feel bouts of depression without suffering from a depressive disorder. Only a medical or mental health professional can diagnose depressive disorders. Let's shed some light on the most common signs of depressive disorders:"
1. Persistent Sadness
A deep, constant sense of sadness that lingers for at least two weeks is a key sign of depression. It's different from a temporary state of feeling down- it's a persistent emotional state where feelings of despair and hopelessness dominate.
2. Loss of Interest
Depression often extinguishes the spark that makes life enjoyable. Activities you used to love, be it painting, hiking, reading, or spending time with friends, may suddenly seem uninteresting or tiresome.
3. Changes in Sleep Patterns
Depression and sleep are closely intertwined. Some people may experience insomnia, finding it difficult to fall asleep or stay asleep, while others may oversleep, feeling a constant need for rest and still feeling tired.
4. Shifts in Appetite and Weight
Depression can significantly alter your eating habits. Some might lose their appetite, forgetting to eat or eating very little, resulting in weight loss. Others may experience appetite, leading to weight gain.
5. Difficulty Concentrating
Depression can feel like a fog that hinders your ability to focus, make decisions, or recall information. Even basic tasks may seem like puzzles, and productivity often takes a hit.
6. Fatigue or Lack of Energy
People with depression often battle constant fatigue. Despite getting adequate sleep, you may feel drained and struggle to find the energy to go through your daily routine.
7. Feelings of Worthlessness
Depression often warps self-perception, leading to intense feelings of worthlessness or guilt. Individuals might criticize themselves harshly for perceived faults and mistakes.
8. Irritability or Restlessness
Depression can heighten levels of frustration, leading to an increase in irritability or restlessness. Small annoyances might ignite short-tempered reactions, often misaligned with the situation's magnitude.
9. Indecisiveness
Depression can lead to struggling to make decisions, even small, daily ones. Depression can cloud judgment and make it difficult to weigh options, leading to a sense of helplessness or frustration. It's important to note that everyone experiences indecisiveness occasionally, but when it's persistent and interfering with daily life, it could be a sign of depression.
10. Thoughts of Death or Suicide
Depression can provoke thoughts of death, suicide, or self-harm. It's crucial to take these signs seriously and seek immediate professional help. If you or someone you know is in danger of harming or killing themselves, please seek immediate help.
Treatment for Signs of Depression
While these signs may seem overwhelming, it's essential to know that depression is treatable, and there's no need to suffer in silence. The most difficult step in treating depression is acknowledging that you need help. Depression can lead you to believe that you are unworthy of help, which only makes depression worse. If you are reading this, you have likely already completed the most difficult step: considering help.
Therapy is one of the most effective treatments for depression. Therapy involves conversing with a trained professional about your feelings and thoughts. Therapists provide a safe and supportive environment where you can express yourself openly and explore the roots of your depression. Therapy provides the opportunity to understand and reframe your thinking patterns. Over time, therapy can help you to transform negative thought patterns that into healthier, more positive ways of thinking. This shift in perspective can reduce depressive symptoms and also equip you with skills to prevent future depressive episodes.
In conjunction with therapy, medication can be extremely beneficial. Antidepressants can help the neurons in your brain work efficiently so that you can form new thought patterns and improve your overall mood. Antidepressant medications are typically prescribed by a primary care physician or a psychiatrist. Your therapist can provide a referral to a doctor who can assist you in seeing if medication would be a good option for you.
Causes of Depression
Depression isn't caused by a single thing. It's often a mix of different factors coming together. These can include things happening in your life, your surroundings, and how your mind responds to them. Major life events can trigger depression. This could be the loss of someone you love, a tough time in a relationship, or a very stressful event. It's more than just having a 'bad day' or feeling upset. People with depression often feel like they're stuck in a dark cloud of negative feelings that won't lift.
Family history can also play a role. If depression runs in your family, you might be more likely to experience it too. But, not everyone with a family history of depression will get it, and some people with no family history of depression can still experience it.
Want to Speak with A Therapist?
Philosophie Therapy offers treatment for signs of depression in Jacksonville, FL. If you or someone you know is struggling with signs of depression, know that help is available. We are here to provide support and guidance as you navigate your mental health journey. We help you in understand your feelings, identify the root causes of your depression, and work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan.
Depression is a difficult condition to navigate alone, and there's no need for you to do so. Whether you have been feeling depressed for a long time or these feelings are new to you, there is no 'right time' to seek help. The right time is when you decide you're ready. When you're ready to take that step, Philosophie Therapy is here to support you. Click the button below to schedule a free phone consultation or your first session today!