It is perfectly normal to feel depressed or sad and lonely on occasion. When life is difficult, and we lose a job or a loved one, it is normal to feel sadness and loss. However, when those emotions become overwhelming, last for prolonged periods of time and are impacting your ability to live your life, then it is time to seek special attention. For further information regarding depression and couple’s therapy, reach out to Caree Brown today.
Common Symptom
Symptoms of depression can vary and many people who have depression never have it diagnosed or treated, according to experts. In severe cases, if left untreated, depression can even lead to suicide.
When depression begins, the symptoms can start with trouble concentrating, making decisions or remembering specific details. You also might suffer from fatigue. These symptoms could be attributed to stress and are sometimes written off as something minor that will pass.
Symptoms then progress to feelings of guilt, worthlessness and helplessness, pessimism and hopelessness. What follows is insomnia, waking up too early, or sleeping too much. Others might begin to notice something is amiss as you become irritable and restless. Additional symptoms include loss of interest in things you once found enjoyable, overeating or loss of appetite, aches and pains that won’t go away, digestive issues that don’t resolve themselves even with treatment, persistent sad and anxiousness, and suicidal thoughts or attempts.
Making an appointment with a professional to get a proper diagnosis is important so you can get the treatment you need. Your medical professional will want to know when your symptoms began, how long you’ve been dealing with them, the severity, if you have a history of drug or alcohol abuse and if depression or mental illness runs in your family.
Treatment Options
One a diagnosis in confirmed, your medical professional may start you on prescription medications like an antidepressant or refer you to a mental health professional. If the depression is severe enough, suicidal thoughts and actions are a very real concern.
If you notice yourself or a loved one who transitions quickly from sadness to a state of extreme calm or happiness all of sudden, keep an eye out for suicidal thoughts to creep up. Other warning signs include always talking or thinking about death, a diagnosis of clinical depression, taking extreme risks that could lead to death, displaying feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness, putting their affairs in order or changing a will, talking about suicide and how life would be better if they weren’t here.
If any of these symptoms are causing problems with your relationships, whether at work or with your family, you should seek help if you don’t feel like you can find a solution to your issues. Checking with your doctor or talking to a mental health professional can help you to get a handle on these feelings and get the treatment you need to overcome the hopelessness that depression can bring. You don’t need to spiral out of control. Help is available. Feeling depressed doesn’t mean you have clinical depression. It’s the physical side effects that go with depression and that last for prolonged periods of time that are a good indication something more serious might be going on.
Depression and Couple’s Therapy
If you or a loved one is exhibiting any of the signs mentioned above, don’t suffer alone. Reach out and get the help you need. And if you need some additional guidance, visit Caree Brown for depression or couples therapy.