Depression
Persistent feelings of sadness, loss of interest, miserable, unhappy, gloomy, empty, irritable or hopeless. If these words are some of the ways you would describe yourself, you may be experiencing depression.
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), depression affects approximately 16 million people each year. The CDC estimates that about 1 in 6 will become depressed at some point in their lifetime to the degree that we would give them a “medical diagnosis” of depression. In addition, many people’s low moods may not be diagnosable as depression because people simply view their sadness as normal due to the ups and downs of life.
Stress and Depression
All life changes, whether positive or negative, cause stress to our system, and depending on our coping skills and the amount of stress, this may cause or deepen depression. These changes or stresses can be caused by external (something that occurred) or internal (biological).
Examples of External factors can include:
- Moving
- Job loss
- Floods
- Fires
- Injuries
- Marriage
- Separation or Divorce
- Births
- Deaths
Examples of Internal factors can include:
- Menstrual cycles
- Dysregulated hormones
- Heart attacks
- Illness
Common Symptoms of Depression
Change in Sleep
Depression often disrupts sleep patterns, leading to either insomnia or excessive sleeping, as the mind struggles with persistent negative thoughts. These changes in sleep can further exacerbate feelings of fatigue, irritability, and overall emotional distress.
Feelings of Worthlessness
Depression can intensify feelings of worthlessness, as individuals may fixate on perceived failures or shortcomings, leading to a distorted sense of self. This emotional weight often deepens isolation, making it harder to seek support or see any value in themselves.
Loss of Interest/Pleasure
Depression often robs individuals of the ability to enjoy activities they once found pleasurable, a symptom known as anhedonia. This loss of interest can lead to withdrawal from social interactions and a pervasive sense of emptiness or disconnection.
Irritability
Depression can heighten irritability, causing individuals to become easily frustrated or angered by things that would normally be manageable. This emotional volatility can strain relationships and further contribute to feelings of isolation and distress.
Tearfulness
Depression often leads to frequent tearfulness, with individuals feeling overwhelmed by emotions that they can’t always explain. This heightened sensitivity can create a sense of helplessness and exacerbate the feeling of being emotionally drained.
Decreased concentration
Depression can make it hard to focus or think clearly, causing people to have trouble paying attention or remembering things. This can make everyday tasks feel much harder and lead to frustration or a sense of being “zoned out.”
Decreased Motivation
Depression can drain a person’s energy and make even simple tasks feel overwhelming, leading to a lack of motivation. This can cause someone to lose interest in things they once enjoyed or feel like they can’t get anything done.
Decreased sex drive
Depression can lower a person’s interest in sex, making them feel less excited or connected to their partner. This change in sex drive can leave people feeling disconnected, frustrated, or like something is wrong with them.
Sudden weight loss/gain
Depression can cause changes in appetite, leading some people to eat too much while others lose interest in food. This can result in sudden weight gain or weight loss, which can be hard to manage. These changes in weight can make someone feel more upset, self-conscious, or out of control.
Alcohol or Drug Abuse
Depression can make some people turn to alcohol or drugs to try to numb their feelings or escape their problems. These substances might temporarily make them feel better, but they usually make depression worse in the long run. Using alcohol or drugs to cope can lead to more harm, making it harder to heal and get the help they need.
Shame/Guilt
Depression can make people feel guilty about things they didn’t do or things they can’t change, even when it’s not their fault. They may also feel ashamed of themselves, thinking they’re not good enough or that they don’t deserve happiness. These intense feelings of guilt and shame can make it even harder to get out of the cycle of depression.
Fatigue
Depression can make people feel constantly tired, even if they’ve had enough sleep. This overwhelming fatigue can make it hard to get through the day, causing them to feel drained and lacking energy.
Low self-esteem
Depression can make people feel like they’re not good enough or that they’re not worth much. These negative thoughts can lower their self-esteem, making them feel bad about themselves and unsure of their abilities. As a result, they might avoid trying new things or feel like they don’t deserve success or happiness.
Withdrawal
Depression can make people want to be alone and avoid spending time with friends or family. This withdrawal can make them feel more isolated, as if no one understands or cares about what they’re going through.
Excess Anger
Depression can sometimes make people feel angry or frustrated, even over small things. This excess anger can lead to outbursts or arguments, making it harder to connect with others or feel in control of emotions. It can also create more stress, making the person feel even worse about themselves.
Sadness
Depression can make sadness feel deep and constant, like it’s hard to shake off. This feeling of sadness can last for a long time, even when there’s no clear reason, making everyday life feel heavy and overwhelming. It can also make it hard to enjoy things that used to bring happiness or comfort.
Hopelessness
Depression can make people feel hopeless, as if nothing will ever improve and things will always be bad. This overwhelming feeling of hopelessness can lead some to think about suicide as a way to end their pain. It’s important to talk to someone and ask for help if these thoughts come up, because there is always hope for things to get better with support.
Suicidal Thoughts
Depression can make people feel hopeless and like things will never get better, leading them to think about suicide as a way to escape their pain. These thoughts can be very scary and serious, and it’s important to reach out for help if someone feels this way.
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