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!