Feeling sad and down on occasion is a normal part of life. But, when these feelings are constant and begin to affect your work or relationships, it may be a sign of depression.
Depression symptoms typically last most or nearly all of the day, every day for at least two weeks. Symptoms include:
You can help someone in distress by talking to them about treatment options.
Feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness
Feeling low or down sometimes is a normal reaction to life’s challenges, but when these feelings persist for many days or weeks and keep you from living your life, they may be a sign of depression. Doctors, psychologists, counselors, and psychiatrist phoenix can treat this medical condition.
Depression can lead to hopelessness and worthlessness, and taking these feelings seriously is important. People feeling suicidal or thinking of self-harm should be taken to a hospital emergency department immediately. If you have a friend or family member feeling this way, stay with them and call 911 or your local suicide hotline immediately.
Psychotherapy (also called talk therapy) can help with depression, as it helps people identify and change unhelpful emotions, thoughts and behaviors. One of the most common treatments for depression is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). It teaches patients to monitor and change negative thinking patterns and improves their coping skills to manage life’s stresses and conflicts better. The best depression therapist in New York can also prescribe medication, including antidepressants.
Loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed
Losing interest in activities you enjoy can be a warning sign for depression. This is often referred to in clinical settings as anhedonia, and it is one of the criteria for depression in some studies.
It’s common for people to lose interest in hobbies or activities that they once enjoyed, especially as their lives change. But if you find yourself avoiding these things or not enjoying them as much as you used to, it may be time to talk to your doctor or therapist about your symptoms.
For example, suppose you are a teen suddenly uninterested in participating in a band rehearsal or soccer practice. In that case, that’s part of growing up and finding new interests. But if you are an adult who has lost interest in your job, hobby, or even going out with friends, that could be a sign of depression.
It is important to try to do something every day that makes you feel happy, even if it is only for 10 minutes or less. This will help to rekindle your joy and keep the depression from getting worse.
Feelings of anger or irritability
Many people who are depressed are irritable and angry. Anger can be overt, as in screaming or slamming doors, or covert, like aggressive behavior or gossiping behind someone’s back. Regardless of how it manifests, anger can be a sign that someone needs help coping with their emotions.
Depression is a mental health disorder that can happen to anyone. It affects men and women, young and old. It can be mild, moderate or severe and come on suddenly or gradually over time. It can be caused by life events or changes in brain chemistry, and it is more common when there is a family history of depression.
Depression can be difficult to diagnose. Symptoms can differ in everyone, and a
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will use the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) to determine whether you have depression. They’ll ask questions about how often you have symptoms, what they look like, and if any specific triggers cause them to occur. They will also ask if anyone in your family has had depression.
Feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness
Depression can feel like a dark tunnel with no light at the end, so paying attention to warning signs and seeking help immediately is important. It is also helpful to learn about the condition, as it can help you and your family understand what you are going through.
Talking about suicide, attempting suicide or thinking about hurting yourself or others are severe warning signs and should always be taken seriously. If you know someone exhibiting these symptoms, call 911 or your local emergency number immediately or get them to see a doctor or therapist immediately.
Symptoms of depression can look similar to other medical conditions, so it is important to get a thorough physical and an evaluation by a healthcare provider with experience in treating mental illness. A GP or family physician may refer you to a psychologist, social worker, counselor or psychiatrist for psychotherapy. If you have a mental health plan, you can get a rebate for seeing these professionals through Medicare. Psychiatrists are specially trained to treat depression and often prescribe medication.
Feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness
Feeling sad or down occasionally is normal, especially after loss, illness or major stress. But when this sadness persists and interferes with daily life, it may be a sign of depression. Depression can make you feel like your life has no meaning or that there’s nothing to look forward to. These feelings can lead to self-loathing and a negative outlook on the future, making it difficult to take action or seek help.
People with depression often feel guilty, even when it’s not their fault. This can cause them to isolate from friends and family and become self-critical, focusing on their flaws rather than the positive aspects of their personality.
Finding the right treatment is important if you or someone you know has these symptoms. You can start by talking with your doctor about your feelings and getting a referral to a mental health professional, such as a psychologist, social worker or counselor. You can also get a rebate to see these professionals through Medicare. Stay connected to your loved ones and participate in activities you enjoy.