We all have our down days and experience sadness from time to time. It’s one of the things that make us human. Fortunately, most forms of depression are transitory and can be easily overcome by changing our routines or by doing something that brings us joy.
Unfortunately, millions of Americans struggling with clinical depression can’t escape their unhappiness so easily. People suffering from chronic and severe depression face an entirely different set of debilitating, and even life-threatening, problems that aren’t easily overcome.
If you believe you or someone you know is struggling with clinical depression, knowing how to recognize clinical depression is the first step towards getting the help necessary to regain control of life and move forward with confidence and optimism.
Recognizing Clinical Depression’s Signs and Symptoms
If you’re unsure whether you’re suffering from a simple case of “the blues” or are struggling with a more serious problem, there are physical and behavioral signs that can help you determine the severity of your depression.
Whereas feeling down or a little blue may affect your desires and energy levels for a few days, clinical depression will negatively impact your energy levels, interests, and ability to function on a long-term, recurring basis.
People suffering from severe depression find just about everything — including simply getting out of bed in the morning — requires a huge amount of effort, and it’s not uncommon for feelings of hopelessness, self-criticism, and disappointment to disrupt their professional and personal relationships and routines.
Other signs of clinical depression commonly include:
Withdrawal and self-imposed isolation from social situations
Lack of motivation and feelings of indifference about the people and activities that once brought joy
Low self-confidence and a lack of self-esteem
Loss of concentration and an inability to make decisions
Drastic changes in sleeping patterns (regularly oversleeping or insomnia)
Extreme changes in eating habits (recurring bouts of overeating or a complete lack of appetite)
Loss of sexual interest or desire
Chronic fatigue or exhaustion
Regularly feeling helpless, hopeless, discouraged, or disappointed
Feeling overwhelmed by everyday tasks
Recurring sighing, crying, and moaning
Thoughts of self-harm or suicide
Please keep in mind that, while these are some of the more common signs and symptoms of clinical depression, just because you’re exhibiting one or two of these symptoms need not mean you’re clinically depressed.
That having been said, if you’re exhibiting two or more of these symptoms of depression, you should seek a professional diagnosis.
Getting the Help You Need
Although counseling and psychotherapy are usually among the first treatments recommended for depression, if you believe you’re suffering from depression the first thing you should do is contact your physician and schedule a complete physical examination.
Many physical conditions, such as nutritional deficiencies, allergies, and infections can lead to symptoms of depression.
Once your physician has ruled out the possibility of a physical cause for your depression, it is time to search for a psychologist or psychotherapist in your area who specializes in helping people overcome depression.
Besides asking your physician, members of the clergy, and family members and friends for some referrals to counselors or therapists in your area, you should also:
1) Use the Internet as an information resource — You can use the Internet to find out more information about the mental health professionals who’ve been referred to you as well as find other providers in your area. You can also search for more information about the various types of depression, available treatment options, and online support resources by visiting websites such as the National Institute of Mental Health or the American Psychological Association.
2) Prepare a list of questions — An important part of getting the best treatment possible is asking questions. Before deciding on a specific provider or treatment, you should get answers to any and all of the questions you have, such as: “What resources are available for overcoming depression?” “What’s the best treatment for the type of depression I have?” “Should I consider antidepressants and what are their side effects?” “Should I tell people about my depression, and if so, how?” “What lifestyle changes can I make to improve my chances of successfully coping with, and overcoming, depression?”
3) Be honest and specific when asking for help — The best way to get the help you need is to be as open and honest as possible with any mental health professional you work with. Be prepared to openly discuss the signs and symptoms of depression you’ve been experiencing, how long you’ve been suffering from depression, and whether or not your depression is attributable to a specific event.
4) Talk with other professionals who may be able to help — Many employers offer some form of psychological counseling or mental health assistance for their employees — just as educational organizations provide guidance counselors and other professionals for their students. Try to put aside any feelings of embarrassment and speak with these individuals about the problems you’re experiencing. Remember, more people than you probably realize are suffering from the same types of problems, otherwise these resources wouldn’t be so readily available!
Unfortunately, there is no “quick fix” for those suffering from clinical depression. However, recognizing you need help is the first step towards feeling better. The next step is to use the recommendations above to get the help you need so you can begin living a happy, healthy life.
To learn more about depression counseling, visit Sidney Mullen’s website on therapy in Berkeley.