Depression doesn’t just hit us over the head while carrying a sign “Hi, I’m depression.” We don’t see purple spots in front of our eyes to alert us we’ve become depressed. Many people just notice some changes in their day-to-day life, notice what you’re not doing anymore, and start to wonder.
Not all of these may be present in an episode of depression. Here’s what depression can look like:
- Depressed people episode may have weight gain or weight loss from changes in appetite
- Feeling sad, numb, or angry most of the time. You may find it’s hard to feel good and enjoy simple things you usually would really love. Or you may be pulling away from other people because it’s hard to enjoy being with them and you know you’re not yourself.
- You might feel guilty or worthless. Depressed people criticize themselves for the way the way they work, parent, handle relationships.
- It’s difficult to focus on things and get much accomplished. Showering, cleaning, making plans are tough to manage. Energy is low.
- Sleeping is affected—you may sleep too much or too little. This is different for everyone but if there is a change in sleep habits for you, that’s a signal.
- A lack of hope. Thoughts like “This situation will never get better.” It does get better with some help.
- If you also have thoughts of wanting to harm yourself, seek help as soon as possible. You can reach out to me or the crisis line (651-266-7900). If it’s an emergency, just call 911.
Some of these may look familiar to you. If any of this looks like how you’re doing right now, ask someone you trust or seek a professional. Sometimes people cover up depression with something else to ease their pain and keep going: food, focus on their physical pain, alcohol or drugs, sex. Leaning on too much of any of these to try to keep going isn’t healthy of course. Depression doesn’t usually go away on its own.
Depression is definitely treatable and counseling works for depression! I am a therapist who also supports people in coordinating with a physician if they would like medication as well. I respect that it is always your choice and I will support you in deciding how you want to approach recovery. Read more about how I work with people who have depression.
