While people may casually use the term depression to describe any time they’re feeling bad or sad, clinical depression is actually a medically diagnosed mood disorder. Depression causes lasting and persistent feelings of hopelessness and despair and can make it difficult or impossible for a person to function at their best. It’s important to understand what depression is and the symptoms of depression in order to determine when it may be necessary to seek treatment.
What is Depression?
Clinical depression, or major depressive disorder, is a mood disorder that can disrupt a person’s life since it affects their mood and affects the way the person thinks and behaves. It can be a significant struggle for a person dealing with depression to cope with everyday life tasks, like getting dressed, going to work, and fulfilling other responsibilities.
Depression also may make it difficult for the person to find anything enjoyable about life or living, even when trying to have fun. Developing an understanding of some of the symptoms of depression and how to treat depression can increase empathy and understanding of the condition.
Symptoms of Depression
Depression is a disorder of mood, so many of the symptoms relate to a person’s mood and emotional state. Feeling sad, melancholy, hopeless, or disinterested in life or normal activities may stem from depression. There are several other possible emotional indications, such as high levels of anxiety, guilt, and self-blame. Changes in sleeping habits, such as an onset of insomnia or sleeping much more than usual, could be another symptom. Fatigue and lack of energy, especially when an individual appears to be getting sufficient amounts of sleep, may be an indicator of depression.
Difficulties with focus, concentration, and clear thinking, along with struggling to make decisions, are other signs to watch for in an individual. Changes in appetite, whether it’s loss of appetite and a resulting weight loss or the opposite situation of weight gain and increased food cravings, can be signs of depression. Be aware of inexplicable physical pain such as frequently occurring headaches, back or neck pain, and other unusual aches and pains.
Experiencing any of these traits doesn’t mean that a person is experiencing depression. However, symptoms that persist over time may indicate depression and require a consultation with a therapist or doctor.
General Treatment for Depression
Depression may be treated with depression counseling, therapy, medication, or a combination of all. The first step to getting treatment is obtaining a diagnosis from a health care professional. Once a professional determines depression is the cause of the symptoms, the patient and the professional can work together to create an appropriate treatment plan. Online depression counseling is available and is an ideal option for many individuals.
Horizon Counseling Services can diagnose and treat depression and offers support in many other areas of psychological care. The practice has many skilled therapists who specialize in treating depression and anxiety. Depression is a treatable illness with therapy or medication, and it’s important for individuals experiencing symptoms of depression to seek help as early as possible.
