Life isn’t always easy. Stressful situations can come from left field at any given point in time and challenge our sense of well-being and balance. These moments can be disturbing and unsettling, but happen to everyone at some point in life. It’s important that you know that you are not alone in the struggle. And even more importantly, there is no shame in admitting that you feel lost and could possibly be grappling with depression.
People with depression regularly experience a strong sense of unhappiness, sometimes during moments of the day, sometimes several times a week, sometimes longer. Depression can make it difficult for you to fully participate in life. As with anything, to recognize the symptoms is the first step to getting control over depression and regaining control of your life.
What do I look for to know if I’m depressed and need help? Here are some signs to be aware of:
- Sadness, emptiness or a feeling of hopelessness
- Loss of interest or pleasure in daily activities
- Irritability (particularly in children)
- Changes in appetite, along with weight loss or gain
- Changes in sleep patterns, along with a decrease in energy or fatigue
- Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
- Trouble concentrating or making decisions
- Thoughts of death or suicide
- Crying easily
Okay, so these are symptoms but what causes depression? There’s no one single answer to that question. It typically stems from a combination of factors. Certain mental health issues can trigger depression, such as anxiety, eating disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorders or substance abuse. In addition, some medications or medical conditions can be associated with an increased risk of depression.
Severe depression can be brought on by trauma. Physical, emotional, or sexual abuse, especially at a young age can trigger deep depression that can result in that individual having difficulty engaging in daily life. They may struggle just to get out of bed, dress or feed themselves. Severe depression can rob that individual of relationships and steal their joy and peace of mind. Also, women can face increased risk of depression during premenstrual, postpartum and perimenopausal periods of their life due to the changes in chemistry in her body.
Recognizing that you are suffering from depression is the first big step, so pat yourself on the back for having the courage and strength to see that you need help. There are treatments out there for depression that can assist with regaining control over your life and happiness. Treatments can include psychotherapy (talk therapy), as well as medications. In addition to conventional treatments, therapies such as acupuncture, massage or hypnosis might be used in conjunction with medication.
In addition to these treatments, lifestyle adjustments might aid in your recovery from depression. Including some type of exercise in your day, engaging in activities that bring you joy, focusing on better eating habits and eating a healthier diet, avoiding alcohol and drugs, maintaining a regiment of regular sleep, and staying connected to a strong support system are all activities that will aid you in your journey to recovery from depression.
Depression, untreated, can be a very dangerous thing. It can feel overwhelming and frightening and rob you of your peace of mind and joy in life. I never want to underplay that point because I understand what a dark place that can be. The point is, you don’t have to stay there. There is a way back to a healthy, well-balanced life filled with all the joy you deserve. If you are having any of the feelings listed above, please reach out and talk to your doctor and find the support you need. It’s your life, so don’t settle. Make it what you want it to be.