Am I Depressed?
What you need to know about Depression
Perhaps you’re feeling sad, blue, down and irritable? During the week you’re having trouble sleeping at night. You notice an increase in the fights you’re having with friends and family. Suddenly, there’s no interest in activities you once enjoyed. When you try to reach out to friends it feels like you have lost your connections. You’re feeling sad, upset and overwhelmed.
We all have moments where we feel sad, upset and hurt because of situations we face in life:
- Bad break-ups
- Issues at work
- Family drama
- Difficult spouse
- Difficult children
Is this a sign depression? Continue reading so that you can learn 3 things about depression is and what you can do.
What Is Depression?
Depression is a serious medical illness that negatively affects how you feel, the way you think and how you act. Depression causes feelings of sadness and/or a loss of interest in activities once enjoyed. It can lead to a range of emotional and physical problems and can lower a person’s ability to function.
To be diagnosed, five (or more) of the following symptoms must be present during the same 2 week period and represent a change from previous levels of functioning. Symptoms also cause distress in important areas of life. Also, medical conditions (e.g., thyroid problems, a brain tumor or vitamin deficiency) can mimic symptoms of depression so it is important to rule out general medical causes.
To be properly diagnosed one must get a formal assessment from a qualified professional. Call me today to schedule your consultation.
Signs and symptoms of depression
Depression symptoms can vary from mild to severe and can include:
- Feelings of sadness
- Loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed
- Significant weight loss or weight gain
- Insomnia or Hypersomnia
- Loss of energy or increased fatigue
- Feeling worthless or guilty
- Difficulty thinking, concentrating or making decisions
- Thoughts of death or suicide
Treatment
Depression is among the most treatable of mental disorders.
Psychotherapy: Psychotherapy, or “talk therapy,” is sometimes used alone for treatment of depression. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) has been found to be effective in treating depression. CBT is a form of therapy focused on the present and problem solving. CBT helps a person to recognize distorted thinking and then change behaviors and thinking.
Depending on the severity of the depression, treatment can take a few weeks or much longer. In many cases, significant improvement can be made in 10 to 15 sessions.
Have you ever said to yourself:
“I cant get out of bed”
“I cant feel better”
“This always happens”
“I’m never going to be able to do this”
“I will never be happy”
“Its all my fault”
I can help you establish healthier patterns of thinking and behavior. Through CBT, you can identify and replace unhelpful thought patterns leading to an improved ability to regulate your emotions. As a result, you will develop a tool box of skills to overcome these negative feelings. I will work with you to get you back out there living the life you want and deserve.
These negative feelings are weighing you down. It’s okay to ask for help. Schedule your appointment today.