Depression is a common and serious mental health illness that affects a person’s moods, thoughts, behavioral and physical health. It is more than just feeling sad or having occasional “down” days. And it requires more than just trying to pull yourself out of these difficult emotions and sensations. Depression causes persistent feelings of sadness, emptiness or irritability that lasts most of the day, nearly every day, for at least two weeks. It often includes a loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed and can impair daily functioning at work, school or in relationships.
Symptoms can vary but commonly include:
- Persistent sad, empty or irritable mood
- Loss of interest or pleasure in most activities
- Changes in appetite or weight (loss or gain)
- Sleep disturbances (sleeping too much or too little)
- Low energy or fatigue
- Difficulty concentrating, making decisions, or remembering things
- Physical symptoms like headaches or back pain without clear cause
- Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide
Depression may manifest as a single episode or recur over time, and severity can range from mild to severe. It can result from a combination of genetic, biological, environmental and psychological factors. Depression can affect people of all ages and backgrounds and typically requires treatment to improve functioning.
Several therapy modalities are used to help people with depression. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, (EMDR), Mindfulness Based Therapies and Dialectal Behavioral Therapy, (DBT) and Somatic Experiencing. Often medication management is a part of a person’s treatment but is typically given in conjunction with psychotherapy.
If your symptoms are lasting two weeks or more and interfere with daily life, it is important to seek therapy for assessment, support and treatment. If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts or intent right now, contact 988 or go to your nearest emergency room to get assessed immediately.
