Depression: Recognizing the Signs and Finding Hope

Depression is more than just feeling sad - it's a serious mental health condition that affects how you think, feel and function. Unlike normal sadness that passes with time, depression persists and can make even basic activities feel overwhelming. Many people don't recognize their symptoms as depression, or may feel too hopeless to seek help. Understanding the signs can be life-changing.  

Common Signs and Symptoms of Depression:  

• Persistent sadness, emptiness or hopelessness  

• Loss of interest in activities you used to enjoy  

• Significant changes in appetite or weight  

• Sleep problems (sleeping too much or too little)  

• Fatigue and lack of energy  

• Feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt  

• Difficulty concentrating or making decisions  

• Thoughts of death or suicide  

Depression affects people differently. Some may cry frequently, while others feel emotionally numb. Physical symptoms like aches and pains are also common. Depression isn't a sign of weakness - it's a medical condition that responds to treatment.  

Effective treatments include: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) or ACT-D specifically for depression, and mindfulness. 

There are varied forms and levels of depressive disorders. Adjustment Disorders with Depression is a diagnosis that refers to experiencing depression in response to a particular distressing event or life change. With an Adjustment Disorder, symptoms usually subside or decrease once the individual has learned effective strategies to better cope with thoughts and emotions associated with the distressing event. More pervasive depressive disorders include: Major Depressive Disorder, Persistent Depressive Disorder (dysthymia), Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder, and Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder.

In the event you are experiencing persistent feelings of helplessness or hopelessness, loss of interest in activities, isolating from family or friends, and other distressing symptoms, it is best to communicate these symptoms to your therapist and/or physician. Your provider can determine if further assessment for medication is needed. Providers (therapists and physicians) can also refer you to a psychiatrist or nurse practitioner who will determine what medication can help better manage symptoms. When symptoms are severe, it may be necessary to seek out higher levels of care such as an Intensive Outpatient Program commonly referred to as an IOP. 

If you are having suicidal thoughts with intent to commit suicide or you have thought of how you would commit suicide, go to your nearest emergency room, hospital, or call 911 ro get help immediately. You may also dial 988 to reach the crisis hotline 24/7. Short-term inpatient care followed up with a Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) can get you on track to better managing symptoms on your own with the continued support of a mental health therapist which is referred to as outpatient care. 

If you've been experiencing symptoms of depression, do not hesitate to contact a healthcare provider. With the right treatment, people dealing with depression can see significant improvement. If you have been living with depression remember, there is hope. Help  is always available!

Understanding Anxiety: Signs, Symptoms and Help

Anxiety is one of the most common mental health challenges, affecting millions of people worldwide. While everyone feels anxious at times, anxiety disorders involve excessive fear or worry that interferes with daily life. Many people don't realize their symptoms are treatable, or may dismiss them as just part of their personality. Understanding anxiety is the first step toward managing it.  

Key Signs and Symptoms of Anxiety Disorders:  

• Constant worrying that's hard to control  

• Feeling restless, wound up, or on edge 

• Physical symptoms like rapid heartbeat, sweating or trembling  

• Trouble concentrating or sleeping  

• Avoiding situations that trigger anxiety  

• Panic attacks - sudden intense fear with physical symptoms  

Anxiety manifests differently for everyone. Some people mainly experience physical symptoms, while others struggle most with obsessive thoughts. The severity can range from mild unease to debilitating fear.  

There are varied forms and levels of anxiety disorders. Adjustment Disorders with Anxiety is a diagnosis that refers to experiencing anxiety in response to a particular distressing event or life change. With an Adjustment Disorder, symptoms usually subside once the individual has learned effective strategies to better cope with thoughts and emotions associated with the distressing event. Other more pervasive anxiety disorders include: Separation Anxiety Disorder & Selective Mutism (found in children), Specific Phobia, Social Anxiety Disorder, Panic Disorder, Agoraphobia, and Generalized Anxiety Disorder.

The good news? Anxiety is highly treatable. Effective therapy treatment modalities include: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Exposure Response Prevention Therapy (ERP), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), mindfulness, & relaxation techniques. Lifestyle changes can also contribute to improving emotional regulation. 

In the event you are experiencing persistent worrying, hypervigilance (ex. constant planning for the worst case scenario), rumination, and other distressing symptoms, it is best to communicate these symptoms to your therapist and/or physician. Your provider can refer you to a psychiatrist or nurse practitioner who may determine if or what medication can help better manage symptoms. When symptoms are severe, it may be necessary to seek out higher levels of care such as an Intensive Outpatient Program commonly referred to as an IOP. 

If you are having suicidal thoughts with intent to commit suicide or you have thought of how you would commit suicide, go to your nearest emergency room, hospital, or call 911 ro get help immediately. You may also dial 988 to reach the crisis hotline 24/7. Short-term inpatient care followed up with a Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) can get you on track to better managing symptoms on your own with the continued support of a mental health therapist which is referred to as outpatient care. 

If anxiety is affecting your quality of life, your ability to concentrate at work or school, or impacting your relationships with friends and family, seek the help of a therapist who specializes in treating anxiety. With the right support, you can learn to manage anxiety and regain control!

Recognizing the Signs and Symptoms of PTSD

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can develop after someone experiences or witnesses a traumatic event. While often associated with military combat, PTSD can affect anyone who has survived abuse, accidents, natural disasters, or other shocking experiences. Many people don't realize they have PTSD, or may feel ashamed to seek help. Recognizing the symptoms is the first step toward healing.  

Common Signs and Symptoms of PTSD:  

• Recurrent, unwanted memories of the traumatic event  

• Flashbacks or nightmares that make you feel like you're reliving the trauma  

• Avoiding places, people,  or activities that remind you of what happened  

• Negative changes in thoughts and mood such as feeling numb or hopeless  

• Being easily startled, feeling tense, or having angry outbursts  

• Trouble sleeping or concentrating  

PTSD symptoms are often triggered by stress or reminders of the trauma. Although distressing, PTSD is treatable. The first line of treatment is regular therapy sessions with a provider who specializes in treating PTSD. Effective treatment modalities include Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy,  Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Intervention for Trauma in Schools (CBITS), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). 

In instances where you may be experiencing recurring disturbing thoughts, rumination, and or physical or emotional dysregulation such as angry outbursts, share these symptoms with your therapist and/or physician as medication may be needed to further manage symptoms. Providers (therapists and physicians) can provide you a referral to see a specialist such as a psychiatrist or nurse practitioner who will determine what medication is best for you.

It is not uncommon to experience co-occurring disorders. The most common co-occurring disorders are anxiety, depression, and substance use. When symptoms are severe, it may be necessary to seek out higher levels of care such as an Intensive Outpatient Program commonly referred to as an IOP. If you are having suicidal thoughts with intent to commit suicide or you have thought of how you would commit suicide, go to your nearest emergency room, hospital, or call 911 to get help immediately. You may also dial 988 to reach the crisis hotline 24/7. Short-term inpatient care followed up with a Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) can get you on track to better managing symptoms on your own with the continued support of a mental health therapist (referred to as outpatient care). 

If you recognize these symptoms in yourself or a loved one, do not hesitate to seek the support of a mental health professional. With the right supports, healing is possible. You don't have to face this alone!