Depression

Everyone feels sad or down sometimes. For many people, these feelings will disappear or fade after a few days; however, depression is different. It impacts your daily life, and you can’t simply snap out of it.

TYPES AND SYMPTOMS OF DEPRESSION

Depression looks different for everyone.   One person may appear sad or hopeless and another might  be  persistently  irritable  and  anxious. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.; DSM–5; American Psychiatric Association,   2013)   classifies   depression   as follows:

• Major Depressive Disorder – This diagnosis describes a person who experiences severe depressive symptoms that impact his or her daily functioning.  Although only one episode is necessary for a diagnosis, a person may have multiple occurrences throughout their lifetime.
  
  Symptoms include:
  
  
• Feeling sad, anxious, or hopeless
• Losing interest in once pleasurable activities
• Lacking energy
• Feeling guilty and/or worthless
• Having difficulty concentrating
• Overeating or loss of appetite
• Increased sleeping or insomnia
• Contemplating or attempting suicide

• Persistent  Depressive  Disorder  –  When a  person  suffers  from  a  depressed  mood or symptoms  for two  or more years  they are diagnosed with a persistent depressive disorder. These  symptoms  may  not  be as  severe  as  those  associated  with  major depression.

CAUSES OF DEPRESSION

There are times when a person may become depressed   without   any   attributable   cause. However, most researchers agree that genetic, environmental,   biological,   and   psychological factors all contribute.

ACTION STEPS

If you or someone you know is struggling with depression consider the following:

✓ Schedule an appointment for a check-up with

your primary care provider.

✓  Seek out individual counseling or support groups.

✓ Do your best to be active and exercise. ✓  Make small, attainable goals for yourself.

✓  Try to  spend  time with  others  and  avoid isolation. Allow others to help you.

✓  Give yourself time and grace.  Expect your mood to improve gradually.

✓  Postpone making important life decisions.

✓  Connect with family and friends and share your thoughts, feeling and concerns.

If you’re feeling suicidal, don’t hesitate to call 911, or go to an urgent care center or hospital emergency room for immediate assistance.

KEEP IN MIND

You’re  not  alone,  and  help  is  available. Accurate diagnosis and effective treatment will help you overcome. Consider reaching out to your health care provider   and   engaging   other   counseling resources for guidance on next steps.

Want to talk to a counselor today about this? 

Call us at 800-453-7733 and ask for your “Free 15 Minute Phone Consultation" with one of our licensed counselors. We’ll listen, answer questions you may have, and help you plan next steps.

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