Clinical Depression: How to Identify The Signs
Clinical depression is an incredibly serious illness that affects millions of individuals throughout the world. It is characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, disinterest in activities, changes in appetite and sleep, and thoughts of suicide. The good news is that clinical depression is highly treatable if diagnosed correctly. By understanding the signs of clinical depression, individuals can recognize when they are in need of help and learn how to better manage this illness. This article will provide insight into identifying the signs of clinical depression, understanding the different types of depression, and connecting with the right kind of help to treat this disorder. By learning about the signs and treatments for clinical depression, individuals can make an informed decision about their mental health and begin their journey to recovery.
What is Clinical Depression?
Clinical depression is a mood disorder that causes feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and worthlessness for at least two weeks. While everyone experiences sadness from time to time, those who suffer from clinical depression feel depressed almost every day and are unable to function normally. The feelings of depression can range in severity, and they can significantly impact an individual's life. While some people may only experience mild feelings of sadness and be able to continue their day-to-day activities, others may be significantly limited in their ability to function due to the illness. It can be a debilitating condition, that requires treatment to reduce symptoms and improve quality of life. Clinical depression is a very common illness, affecting approximately 17% of the population each year. Women are about twice as likely as men to experience clinical depression, and it typically starts in a person's early adulthood. Although anyone can develop clinical depression, certain people are at higher risk, including individuals who have a family history of depression, are going through a stressful life event, are experiencing significant life changes, or have a medical condition that impacts their mental health.[gallery columns="2" size="full" link="file" ids="3937,3938"]
Concern: You feel Your Energy has Been Sucked Out.
Types of Clinical Depression
Major depressive disorder: Major depressive disorder is the most common form of clinical depression. It is diagnosed in a person who has five or more depressive symptoms (listed below) for two weeks or longer has decreased interest or pleasure in daily activities and has a noticeable change in their ability to function. Persistent depressive disorder: Persistent depressive disorder is also known as dysthymia, which is a chronic and milder form of depression. It is diagnosed in a person who has two depressive symptoms (listed below) for at least two years. Postpartum depression: Postpartum depression is diagnosed in women who have signs of depression within the first year after childbirth. Bipolar disorder (manic depression): Bipolar disorder is a mood disorder that causes shifts in an individual's mood. It is characterized by periods of extreme moods, including periods of extreme excitement (mania) and periods of extreme sadness (depression).
Signs of Clinical Depression
Signs of clinical depression may include, but are not limited to, the following: - Feeling sad, empty, or hopeless - While sadness is a normal emotion, those with clinical depression experience a persistent sadness that interferes with their daily life. - Having little interest or pleasure in activities that used to bring enjoyment - This includes hobbies, work, social activities, and other activities that used to bring joy to a person's life. - Feeling guilty, helpless, or worthless. - These feelings often lead to thoughts of suicide. - Changes in appetite and sleep - Changes in appetite may lead to weight loss or gain, while sleep changes may lead to insomnia or oversleeping. - Increased irritability, restlessness, or fatigue - These symptoms may make it difficult for a person to concentrate on their daily activities. - Decreased ability to focus - This can affect work, school, and other aspects of a person's life. - Thoughts of suicide
Causes of Clinical Depression
The exact cause of clinical depression is unknown. However, there are multiple factors that may contribute to the development of the illness, including genetics, brain chemistry, and life events. - Genetics: If a person has a first-degree relative, such as a parent or sibling, who has been diagnosed with clinical depression, they are two times more likely to develop the illness. - Brain chemistry: Changes in the brain's chemistry may impact an individual's ability to regulate emotions and cope with stressful life events. - Life events: Going through stressful life events, such as the death of a loved one, divorce, or financial problems, can trigger symptoms of clinical depression. - Other health conditions: Having a medical condition, such as an autoimmune disease, heart disease, or thyroid condition, may increase the risk of developing clinical depression.Using an online resource: There are many websites that can assist individuals in finding a mental health professional, such as Psychology Today, Psychology Today, and Healthline. - Talking to a trusted friend or family member: Friends and family members may have recommendations for mental health professionals they have worked with in the past. - Finding a support group: Support groups are helpful for connecting with others who are experiencing similar symptoms and gaining insight from people who have gone through similar situations.
Coping with Clinical Depression
There are many things that individuals can do to help cope with clinical depression, including: - Engaging in self-care - Individuals should make time for self-care, such as exercising, practicing mindfulness or meditation, engaging in creative activities, and connecting with loved ones. - Getting enough sleep - Lack of sleep can exacerbate the symptoms of depression, so it is important to get enough sleep to help regulate emotions and reduce stress. - Eating a healthy diet - A healthy diet is essential for overall wellness and can help reduce symptoms of depression. - Practicing good self-talk - Individuals should avoid negative self-talk, such as comparing themselves to others, and focus on the true healing process.