It’s common for people to feel sadness, especially during times of hardship. Humans don’t suddenly feel sad due to just one event.
It is more common for prolonged sadness to manifest after enduring too many adverse events of loss, grief, and other situations. Prolonged sadness can lead to being overwhelmed with tasks or obligations that may be simple from another person’s perspective. Besides being a simple mindset, people may experience physical symptoms preventing them from living an everyday, active life.
The Signs of Depression
Being in a depressed mood is also known as situational depression. This is a short-term form of depression that immediately responds to the aftermath of an event. For example, a person can feel grief after recently attending their loved one’s funeral. However, clinical depression is a different issue.
Although there’s no straightforward diagnostic procedure if a person has clinical depression, there are some symptoms they may be able to see. Some neurological signs include:
- Trouble concentrating
- Difficulty making decisions
- Feelings of guilt
- Feelings of worthlessness
- Feelings of pessimism or hopelessness
- Restlessness
- Loss of interest in hobbies
- Overeating
- Problems remembering details
Besides these behavioral changes, a person with clinical depression may also manifest these physical symptoms:
- Fatigue
- Insomnia
- Overeating or lack of appetite
- Unexplainable cramps or body pains
- Digestive problems unrelated to a physical illness
The Treatment for Depression
A physician generally rules out any potential indicators of physiological illnesses first before confirming a diagnosis of depression. It is at this point when they’ll consider recommending a patient to receive mental health treatment. The treatment will most definitely include psychotherapy and an optional medication prescription if a therapist deems it necessary.
It’s important to remember that treatment for depression won’t take effect immediately. It’s a long-term recovery process, and each person’s method of improving their symptoms will vary. Unlike illnesses that target physiological functions, a mental condition like clinical depression is not likely to fade away soon.
The Danger of Depression
Depression doesn’t just affect the person who has it; it also has implications for the people around them. Broken relationships are common among people with depression, and it can be difficult for these individuals to understand why someone they know is being distant. Additionally, being away from social engagement can be a risk to entertain suicidal thoughts.
The Right Time to Seek Help
People with depression have a high risk of committing suicide. However, it’s not as straightforward as people would think. It can start small, like taking small risks that lead to death or an unwillingness to care for oneself. A person may also start openly talking about suicide indirectly by mentioning how things “will be better with them gone.”
Being self-aware of the physical signs of depression is an excellent marker to seek help. If a person realizes through self-diagnoses that there’s nothing wrong with them physiologically, they may be dealing with an internal mental issue.
Conclusion
Humans are inherently social creatures that build and receive experiences with others. This is why it’s against a person’s natural method of recovery by handling depression themselves. Thankfully, people suffering from depression don’t have to keep it a secret, even if they’re not yet comfortable with telling their loved ones. Individuals aware of their condition and want to get help are always welcome to seek therapists.
At Therapy 24×7, we provide our clients with online therapy 24/7 and the right treatment plan, even if they can’t meet our therapists face-to-face. Book an appointment with us today!