Understanding the Signs of Depression

Life throws curveballs, and sometimes we feel down. But how do you know when it’s something more? More specifically, how do you know when you are actually experiencing signs of depression?

Depression is a common mental health condition that affects millions of people. It can feel like a dark cloud hanging over you, impacting your mood, energy levels, and daily activities.

In this blog post, we’ll explore the signs of depression by first sharing some key indicators.

“They may seem like signs of depression, and be more reflective of swift life changes without a solid plan to manage your emotions.”

SIGNS OF DEPRESSION

• Persistent feelings of sadness, emptiness, or hopelessness: Depression often manifest as a prolonged state of emotional pain, where individuals feel a deep sense of emptiness and a loss of hope for the future. When healing from past trauma, these symptoms are often exacerbated. 
• Loss of interest in activities you used to enjoy:  Whereas you once enjoyed social outings or even phoning a friend, depression eats away at your personality. It’s important to consider identity protection when you’re going through depression. When you begin therapy, you can set small, achievable goals to help you slowly reincorporate the parts of your personality you miss. 
• Changes in appetite or sleep patterns (sleeping too much or too little): This one impacts many individuals who summarize their appetite and sleep changes as “I’m just stressed.” If you’ve noticed you’re either sleeping too much or too little, it could very well be depression setting in. Sleep helps your brain function properly so when you’re sleeping too much or too little, you’re missing out on opportunities because your brain isn’t able to properly prepare for the next day. 
• Feeling restless or slowed down: People with depression may experience changes in their physical activity level. They may feel restless and agitated, unable to sit still or focus on tasks. Conversely, they may feel sluggish and slowed down, lacking the motivation to complete even simple activities.
• Difficulty concentrating, making decisions, or remembering things: If you’re making what you deem to be “simple mistakes” in your personal and business life, this could also be a sign of depression. Again, when you’re not sleeping well, and your appetite has changed, impacting your daily nutrition, it’s hard to make important life decisions. 
• Feelings of worthlessness or guilt: This is a big one that many people experience when struggling with the signs of major depressive disorder. The feelings of guilt experienced during depression are sometimes so heavy that people begin to sabotage their own success. People begin to believe that overcoming depression isn’t an option. 
• Thoughts of death or suicide: Most providers are concerned when a patient struggles with suicidal ideation. Persistent death thoughts and thoughts of suicide also threaten your personality if you are a person who previously enjoyed life to the fullest. You don’t have to live with the emptiness caused by depression. It’s important for us to note some key resources you can immediately access to address suicidal ideation if you’re currently feeling empty.

• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988
• Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741

Remember: These symptoms can vary and don’t necessarily mean you have depression. Sometimes people temporarily go through rough patches or life adjustments that lead to these symptoms. They may seem like signs of depression, and be more reflective of swift life changes without a solid plan to manage your emotions. However, if you’re experiencing several of these for more than two weeks, it’s important to reach out for help.

“Depression loves inaction.”

TREATING DEPRESSION

Qualified mental health professionals such as those listed on Find My Therapist all have training in helping people overcome depression. It’s important to note here that seeing a therapist for one session won’t cure depression overnight. You may need several sessions to explore your current symptoms, history of depression, current lifestyle, challenges, and more. 

A good therapist will also consider whether or not you might benefit by speaking with a professional who prescribes medication. This could be a psychiatrist or psychiatric nurse practitioner trained in diagnosing and treating mental health illnesses with psychiatric medication. Some even offer psychotherapy alongside their services!

INVITATION

If reading this blog post spoke to you and you now believe you’re experiencing signs of depression, you have one thing left to do. Reach out to one of our skilled providers for a free consultation so you can get help sooner rather than later. Have you heard the saying “Success loves speed?” Well, we have reframed that at Find My Therapist. “Depression loves inaction.” When you begin feeling the signs of depression it’s important to take quick action.

Taking quick action means you get out ahead of the symptoms before they worsen. Trust us, they do tend to worsen without intervention and we don’t want that for you. If you start getting help today, imagine how you might feel a month from now.

Imagine the goals you’ll achieve, the dreams you’ll add to your dream board, the family gatherings you won’t miss. How about that promotion depression has stopped you from applying for? Yes! The goal is to leave depression in the dust and get back to your life!

Stay tuned for more blog posts where we’ll share valuable resources, such as this video titled “What is Depression?” to help you address depression.

If you enjoyed today’s blog, let us know in the comments. Also, don’t forget to share with someone you care about.

¹Marquita S. Myrick, NCC, LPC, LMHC, CCTP, is a National Certified Counselor, Licensed Psychotherapist, and Certified Clinical Trauma Professional. She’s dedicated her professional life to helping others heal from anxiety, depression, trauma, and unhealthy relationship patterns. Marquita is also the creator of Find My Therapist.

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