Many people who struggle with depression don’t even realize the signs of depression. Depression is a serious condition that can have a negative impact on every aspect of your life. Depression treatment can help you learn to cope with your symptoms and start to feel like yourself again.
At Prairie Recovery, we understand that addiction and mental health conditions often go hand-in-hand. We aim to help you heal your mind, body, and spirit. Call [Direct] today to learn more about the signs of depression.
What Is Depression?
Depression is a mental health disorder that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest. It can interfere with your ability to work, study, eat, sleep, and enjoy activities you once enjoyed. Depression is not a sign of weakness or a character flaw.
There is no single cause of depression. It is often caused by a combination of factors, including:
- Biological factors – Depression can be caused by changes in the brain. These changes can result from a chemical imbalance, genetic predisposition, or hormonal changes.
- Environmental factors – Certain life events can trigger depression, such as the death of a loved one, financial problems, or job loss.
- Psychological factors – Depression can be caused by low self-esteem, negative thinking, and feelings of hopelessness.
- Addiction – It is normal to see a correlation between depression and addiction. Substance abuse can cause or worsen depression.
Depression is more than just feeling down for a few days. It’s a serious condition that can impact every aspect of your life. Depression treatment can help you learn to cope with your symptoms and start to feel like yourself again.
Why Is it Important to Learn the Signs of Being Depressed?
Depression is a serious mental illness that can have a profound effect on a person’s ability to function in everyday life. It is estimated that 21 million adults in the United States have experienced depression at some point in their lifetime. While depression is a highly treatable mental illness, it is estimated that only 50% of those who suffer from depression will seek out treatment.
One of the most important reasons to learn the signs of being depressed is because early intervention is key. The sooner a person begins treatment for depression, the better their chances are of making a full recovery. Additionally, depression can be a very difficult illness to diagnose, as symptoms can vary greatly from person to person. Learning the signs of depression can help you more easily identify the condition in yourself or a loved one and get the needed help.
Signs of Depression
There are many different signs of depression, and they vary from person to person. Some common signs of being depressed include:
- Persistent sad, anxious, or “empty” mood
- Feelings of hopelessness, or pessimism
- Angry outbursts, irritability, or frustration, even over small matters
- Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities
- Anxiety, agitation, or restlessness
- Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
- Trouble thinking, concentrating, making decisions, or remembering
- Frequent or recurrent thoughts of death, suicidal thoughts, suicide attempts, or self-harm
If you are experiencing any of these signs, it is vital to seek professional help. Depression is a treatable mental health disorder, but it can become severe if it is not treated.
Symptoms of Depression
In addition to the signs, there are also specific symptoms of depression that can help you identify whether you or a loved one is struggling with this mental health disorder. These symptoms must be present for at least two weeks for a diagnosis of depression.
- Sleep disturbances, including insomnia or sleeping too much
- Tiredness and decreased energy
- Decreased appetite and weight loss, or increased appetite and weight gain
- Slowed thinking, speaking, or body movements
- Unexplained physical problems, such as back pain or headaches
- Engage in risky behaviors, such as drug use, unsafe sex, or driving recklessly.
Seek help if you are experiencing any symptoms of depression; this is a serious medical condition that requires treatment.
Prairie Recovery Is Here to Help
If you or a loved one is struggling with depression, we are here to help. Prairie Recovery’s expert mental health professionals are standing by, waiting to hear from you. Contact us today at [Direct] to discuss our treatment options.