What is Depression?

Depression is a serious medical condition affecting roughly 10% of the adult population in America. It can cause us to feel tired, unmotivated, withdrawn, sad, or empty. Depression often has a significant impact on our daily lives including relationships, work, and general health.

Am I Depressed or Just Sad?

It’s important to recognize a difference between clinical depression and normal emotional reactions. The feelings associated with depression have important roles in our lives and are completely normal in the right context. It’s normal to feel sad after losing a loved one. It’s normal to feel unmotivated after an exhausting week at work.

If you feel these normal reactions are much stronger than they have been in the past, are lasting longer than they typically would for you, or are creating roadblocks for you to live your normal life, it’s a good idea to begin seeking help.

There are effective treatments for depression and the earlier you begin, the more effective these options will be.

What Are Some Signs I or Someone I know Might Be Depressed?

Sometimes I can be difficult to tell when you are depressed or just having a normal reaction to life events. It can be even more difficult to tell when someone we care about is experiencing depression because we are very good at putting on happy faces for our friends and family.

Here are some of the ways depression can affect the way we think, feel, and behave:

 

The way we feel:

Unmotivated

Tired

Sad

Lonely

Guilty

Angry (especially in children/teens)

Spiteful

Hopeless

 

The Way We Think:

I will feel this way forever

My life is a failure

I am worthless

I am a burden on my friends and family

This is my fault

This can’t be fixed

 

The Way We Behave:

Spending less time with friends and family

Spend less time doing things we previously enjoyed

Changes in sleep (either sleeping more or can’t sleep)

Falling behind on responsibilities

Using more drugs or alcohol

Showing irritability

Loss of appetite or increase eating

How is Depression Treated?

Depression can respond well to counseling. I like to take an approach with my clients than involves “doing your way into health”. In almost all of my clients I can see two people. One is their “depressed them” and the other is their “ideal them”. When depression is at its strongest, it has a way of overwhelming the ideal you and drowning out that voice, therefore leaving you to only have one depressed voice guiding you, your behavior, and your relationships.

I help my clients remember they have another self within them. I want you to recognize that voice and what it wants for you, what it’s encouraging you to do, and how you will let that voice begin to lead your life. When you learn that depression is just a part of you and not actually you, then you can begin to choose which parts of you drive your life.

Ready to Get Started?

 

Check out this video to learn more about depression: