I Think I Might Be Depressed: Elon NC Counselor
Depression is one of the most paralyzing experiences a person can have. Depression has been described as feelings of severe despondency and dejection. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, nearly seven percent of Americans have had a depressive episode. Of those, 64% Of them will be severely impaired by their depressive episodes. It affects individuals in a powerful way and can dramatically affect families, workplaces, social contacts, and broader society. However, as many as 37% of depressed people receive no treatment at all. So have you ever wondered if might be one of those people? Below you will find descriptions of several common symptoms found in people who suffer depressive episodes.
Eating
Depression can have a dramatic effect on eating habits. One of the things that research shows is that many of these symptoms can be problems in either direction. For example, not sleeping well or sleeping too much are problems. This is the case with eating habits. Consequently, depression affects eating habits. In some cases, depressed people suddenly stop eating. This is consistent with depressed person’s loss of interest. Conversely, it is also common for depression to manifest itself in the form of overeating. Again, this is a change in appetite that is indicative of depression. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, a 5% change in weight in one month is a reason for alarm.
Sleep Problems
Another common problem with people who suffer from depression is difficulty sleeping. It is not unusual for people with depression to struggle with insomnia. Trouble sleeping includes trouble getting to sleep, difficulty staying asleep, and quality of sleep. However, insomnia is not the only sleep problem people have. Another sleep problem is sleeping too much. Depressed people will sometimes suffer from excessive sleeping. One indication of depression is an increase in daytime sleeping. Both of these problems are possible indications of depression.
Loss of Energy
Changes in energy indicate depression. Being tired overwhelmed, or worn out are all common experiences. However, there is a difference between the everyday person and depressed person. People with depression will not only experience decreased energy, they will experience it every day. Fatigue interrupts strategies to manage depression. It also disrupts one’s daily routine. This means the fatigue affects family, work and social relationships. Fatigue is long lasting. It remains even after other depressive symptoms have declined. If not addressed, fatigue can increase complications with depression.
Concentration
One of the areas affected by depression is the ability to concentrate. Sadness caused by depression results in difficulties in concentration. Many times, difficulties with concentration are accompanied by memory loss. Accomplishing complex tasks might be compromised. Distraction problems can cause others to conclude the affected person doesn’t care. It also affects areas like reading comprehension. In addition, there is also the possibility that concentration affects driving. These problems greatly impact both home and work.
Thoughts of Death
Perhaps the most alarming symptom of depression are thoughts of death. People with depression will sometimes preoccupied with thoughts of death or suicide. These thoughts are not the normal thoughts a person might have about death. It is normal to occasionally think about death. However, depressed people are preoccupied with thoughts of death on a more frequent level. They are plagued by repeated thoughts involving suicide. These ideas may include a plan for the method of suicide. Conversely, the thoughts may be more general ideas of suicide that do not include a plan. Either way, thoughts about committing suicide are serious and must be carefully monitored.
Loss of interest
One of the notable symptoms of depression is the loss of interest in pleasure. Some consider it to be one of the main symptoms of depression. Loss of interest is the consistent decrease in involvement in things that normally are enjoyable. It is a persistent loss of pleasure felt throughout the day, nearly every day. It affects nearly everything. There is very little that it doesn’t affect. This affects routine, home, work, hobbies, and food.
Depression can be paralyzing and debilitating. There are many resources for people who struggle with depressive symptoms. Some need to consider medicinal strategies. Others are going to need the help of a skilled therapist to combat the effects of their depression. If you struggle with depression, there gifted therapists in your area that can help you. I hope this list of symptoms can help you determine whether you need the help of a professional with your depression.
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