Understanding the Symptoms of Depression
Written by Elana Robbie
Shana lost her son, Owen, to suicide two weeks after his fifteenth birthday. According to his friends, Owen was extremely kind, social, funny, and well-liked. So when he started manifesting changes in his behavior, Shana simply attributed it to a rebellious teenage phase. But before Shana could ask her son herself, young Owen had already taken his life. This is Shana's story, and it isn't a pleasant one. Unfortunately, many others are going through what Owen went through, which is why it's essential that we educate ourselves about mental health conditions, such as depression.
Major Depressive Disorder affects more people than you can imagine. As the leading cause of disability in the US for people aged 15 to 44, it has affected more than 16.1 million American adults. And if left untreated, it can become an obstacle to people’s lives and prevent them from living as they should. An article on the signs of depression medically reviewed by a California Southern University psychologist notes that determining whether or not you have the condition will be the first step towards healing and recovery. However, pinpointing specific depressive disorder symptoms can get quite complicated, as we all experience unhappiness and hopelessness in life. In this feature, we’re delving into the symptoms of the condition to help you pinpoint whether you should start seeking professional help.
The Different Symptoms and Types of Depression
US News Health lists common symptoms of depression; loss of interest in previously enjoyable things, significant changes in appetite, sleep difficulties, feelings of worthlessness, guilt, fatigue, and recurrent thoughts of death or suicide. While not all feelings of sadness immediately equate to symptoms of depression, it also works the other way around. You mustn’t take for granted any changes in habits, mood swings, or other similar tendencies as these can pertain to different kinds of depression, besides major depressive disorder. You could be suffering from persistent depressive disorder, which involves more incessant manifestations of depressive symptoms. Alternatively, you could be experiencing other circumstantial types, such as premenstrual dysphoric disorder, postpartum depression, or bipolar disorder depressive episodes.
How to Recognize the Symptoms and What to do
Notice unusual emotions
Depression is often accompanied by denial. Avoiding emotions, or refraining from acknowledging them, keeps us from processing what is going on. Many people feel that as long as they are able to accomplish what is needed of them at work, as a parent, or as a partner, they can continue to be perfectly functioning humans. However, this is a dangerous mindset as it can prolong your condition and make matters worse. In our article ‘Permission to Feel Conflicted’, we highlight the importance of allowing yourself to face what you’re feeling. Don’t deny the suspicion that something may be wrong, or that you’re struggling with something. If you have trouble sorting through your thoughts and emotions, try journaling, talking to a loved one, or talking to a professional as these can serve as an outlet for you.
Pay attention to unwanted behavior
People with a depressive disorder also develop an increased tendency to turn to drugs, alcohol, or other forms of unhealthy addictions as an outlet of relief from the mental pain of depression. According to statistics from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, there are an estimated nine million adults that suffer from both substance addiction and mental health issues. Not everyone is equipped to deal with prolonged sadness and negative emotions, which is where the path of addiction can begin. Moreover, addiction doesn’t only come in the form of substance abuse. In other instances, people turn to unhealthy eating habits, cults or religious activities, gambling, and even self-harm. In most of these situations, professional help is necessary to prevent negative effects from multiplying.
Seek input from a professional
As we’ve mentioned, seeking help is an important step, even if your emotions don’t seem immediately serious to you. Fortunately, expanding education opportunities in the fields of psychology and psychiatry have led to more workers being available to the public, so it is easier to seek professional help nowadays. Maryville University’s online bachelors in psychology curriculum points out that graduates are now finding work in schools, community centers, rehab clinics, and even small businesses. Thus, getting help is no longer equivalent to becoming a regular at a psychiatry office. Consulting with a therapist can provide you with tools to treat depression from a personal angle and motivate you to take necessary action. These professionals can also assess whether or not you need medication, and give you insight to prevent the condition from recurring.
Recovery takes time, but it can be sped up through effort; reach out to loved ones and don’t hesitate to seek the professional help you need. If you, or anyone you know, is in danger and needs immediate support, call 1-800-273-TALK in the US, or visit IASP or Suicide.org to find a helpline.