Depression is the main cause of disability worldwide. It’s also a major contributor to the overall global burden of disease. Depression is not something that you can just “snap out” of or a sign of weakness. Depression can affect anyone, regardless of age or situation. The good news is that depression is highly treatable. With the right treatment, most people with depression will feel better in a few months. Let’s explore this condition in detail, along with the depression treatment methods that can help you understand and manage it.
What Is Depression?
Depression is a serious medical condition that affects the way you feel, think, and behave. It creates a pervasive sense of sadness, along with feelings of loneliness and despair. If these negative feelings persist for at least two weeks, most doctors will classify the condition as a major depressive disorder.
Signs of Depression
Depression still carries a stigma in our society, so many people with depression are reluctant to seek treatment. The stigma is also partly responsible for the fact that many people with depression don’t realize they have it.
Symptoms of depression vary from person to person and often overlap with other conditions (such as anxiety disorders). That’s why it can be difficult to diagnose depression and even more difficult to find effective remedies for it. There are many symptoms of depression; not all people will experience them all at once.
Boredom
If you find yourself enjoying less and less of life’s ordinary joys, like going out to eat, watching movies, or anything else that you used to enjoy, this could be a sign that something’s wrong. Anhedonia, the inability to feel pleasure, is a common symptom of those diagnosed with depression. It’s hard to find happiness in the things you used to love because the dopamine in your brain isn’t effectively interacting with other chemical messengers.
Appetite Changes
A loss of interest in food and weight loss, or overeating and weight gain, are other symptoms of depression. Some people may crave junk food because it causes a spike in serotonin levels. This is a biological response that can help ease the symptoms of depression, but it’s not a healthy long-term solution.
Negative Emotions
Feelings of guilt and worthlessness are common when experiencing depression. When you’re depressed, it can feel like the world is against you. You may believe that your family or friends would be better off without you, but this is far from the truth. If these feelings persist or they lead to thoughts of suicide, it’s important to get help from a mental health professional as soon as possible.
Loneliness
It’s essential to remember that while it may feel like you’re alone, there are over 20 million people who have gone through what you’re experiencing right now. Many have come out on the other side whole and healthy again. Many organizations, such as wellness centers, will give you the support, guidance, and information you need to improve your condition.
Foggy Mind
If you’re having trouble focusing, that can be an indication that you’re depressed. Depression can lead to cognitive impairment, which makes it tough to concentrate and remember things.
You may also have trouble with decision-making. This can lead to procrastination or indecision about simple tasks, such as making a meal or getting dressed in the morning. Some people may also experience memory issues. The hippocampus, which is involved in learning and recall, tends to be smaller in people who are depressed.
Irregular Sleep Patterns
While many people experience temporary changes in their sleep habits due to stress or grief, these symptoms should go away after a few weeks. If they don’t and instead continue for several months, it could be a sign of depression. Depression can cause insomnia or oversleeping, depending on the individual and how long they’ve been depressed.
Restlessness
You may feel so on edge that you can’t sit still. Your brain is probably sending signals to the body that it needs more energy than normal to survive under stressful conditions. In response, your body releases chemicals such as adrenaline and cortisol into the bloodstream. This reaction is called “fight or flight.” These chemicals prepare us to fight an attacker or run away from one. However, when they’re released in response to ongoing stressors, such as those that occur in depression and anxiety disorders, they can make you feel jittery.
Fatigue
Depression affects how the brain’s neurotransmitters operate. This makes it hard for people who are depressed to feel alert or awake. You may feel fatigued even after sleeping for what seems like an adequate amount of time. This fatigue can prevent you from fulfilling your daily responsibilities and reduce the quality of your everyday life.
Depression Treatment
Depression treatment can help you manage your symptoms, regain your energy, and enjoy life again. A mental health treatment center can provide a well-rounded approach to care. For most people, the best way to treat depression is with a combination of antidepressant medication and psychotherapy. Only a doctor can diagnose depression and determine the right treatment for you. It’s important to remember that while treatment will not make all the symptoms go away in an instant, your negative feelings are likely to improve over time.
Seek Treatment When You Notice Depression Signs
Depression can be subtle in the beginning. It’s difficult to recognize, especially for people who have never experienced it before. If you notice that you’re experiencing any of these symptoms and they last for over two weeks, talk to a professional about depression treatment plans.
At Comprehensive Wellness Centers, we provide treatment for depression and other mental health issues. We’re here to support you in your recovery journey, and we can help you find the treatment that helps you live a happy and healthy life. Don’t wait to seek help; call us today.
