Depression
Each of us experiences fluctuations in our mood. Sadness is a normal reaction to life’s struggles, setbacks, and disappointments. Some use the word “depression” to explain these kinds of feelings, but depression is much more than just sadness. Those who experience depression sometimes describe it as “living in a black hole” or having a feeling of impending doom. Other don’t feel sad at all; rather, they may feel lifeless, empty, and apathetic, or even angry, aggressive, and restless. Depression can affect people of any age or sex, and in all walks of life. Depression ranges in seriousness from mild, temporary episodes of sadness to severe, persistent depression.
Whatever the symptoms, depression is different from normal sadness in that it engulfs your day-to-day life, interfering with your ability to work, study, eat, sleep, and have fun. The feelings of helplessness, hopelessness, and worthlessness are intense and unrelenting, with little, if any, relief.
More severe depression is typically called clinical depression due to the noticeable disruptions in daily life. It is serious and can be potentially life threatening if left untreated. With professional support and sometimes through the support of certain antidepressant medications (prescribed through your physician or psychiatrist), depression can be treated, and you can begin enjoying life.
Depression Symptoms
If you have experienced at least five of the following symptoms for at least two weeks, you may have clinical depression, and should seek help:
- Feeling sad or blue, unexplained crying spells
- Significant weight loss or weight gain
- Inability to sleep or excessive sleeping
- Agitation or irritability
- Fatigue or loss of energy
- Feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt
- Inability to concentrate, indecisiveness
- Thoughts of death or suicide
- Lack of joy or not enjoying things previously enjoyed
A note about Childhood Depression: Child Depression affects five percent of the child/adolescent population. Sadness and irritability are considered adaptive and normal in response to stress, disappointment, changes from loss or separation. Children who have problems with attention, learning, conduct or anxiety may also show signs of depression. Your child may be depressed if changes in their behavior or mood lasts more than a few weeks or interferes with daily activities. The following are symptoms of depression in children and adolescents:
- Irritability
- Increase in conduct problems at home or school
- Boredom
- Increase in physical complaints (headaches, muscle-aches, stomach-aches, tiredness)
- Decrease in energy
- Difficulty concentrating
- Frequent absences from school
- Decline in grades
- Isolation
- Unexplained crying
- Low self-esteem or extreme sensitivity to rejection or failure
- Poor communication
- Major changes in sleeping and/or eating patterns
- Poor communication
- Major changes in sleeping and/or eating patterns
- Threats or efforts to run away from home
- Thoughts of suicide or engagement in self-destructive behavior
In addition to the above, adolescents may exhibit:
- Drop in school attendance
- Problems with alcohol, drugs or sex
- Impulsive behavior
The caring staff at Renew Counseling Center can help you better understand the symptoms you or your loved ones are experiencing and develop a personalized treatment plan to find hope and healing. Our staff are trained to assist you in getting additional outside support including consultation with your physician to rule out medical issues that might contribute to your symptoms.